Bridgewater returning?

@"Wetlander" said:

@"BlackMagic7" said: Lol, i totally like that but couldnt pass up an oppertunity to click that.

Writing with a touchscreen keyboard is a lot looser and a little harder to reread/write - seems like thoughts are as scattered as the process of writting them. And right here in the post is the point where I can subtly feel my brain recoiling off my skull with each glass smashing letter selection... lol

Is there a legal difference, defined by the CBA, for "cleared to practice" vs "cleared to play?"

I get the technical differences between the two, but does the CBA care? 

I noticed some hope for him being "allowed" to practice with the 53 while still being on the PUP because he isnt "cleared for games." I was under the impressions of what Wet was saying; and think that "being cleared for practice" was kind of lip service for the team to get him practicing while keeping the PUP option open.

I kinda wonder, if there really isnt a difference, does being "cleared for practice" become viewed by Teddy and his agent as a green light to fight.

Thats all; from a legal/CBA definition of the PUP under the CBA, can a player even be greenlighted for practice but not games under the PUP?

That's where the confusion seems to be.  There is NO DIFFERENCE between being "cleared to practice" and "cleared to play" when it comes to the PUP list.  Fans are trying to make it seem like there is a difference, but there isn't.

So based on what's been posted, there do seem to be two separate PUP lists in the preseason, but that goes away as the preseason ends.

I'm guessing what happens is a lot of us heard Teddy might be cleared to practice, indicating that the team might put him on the Active/PUP list that exists in preseason, whereby a player can practice with the team but remain physically unable to play. These are not medical designations, these are NFL designations. In this context, Teddy could have been in a situation where he was practicing with the team but still potentially be placed on the PUP list come season start.

THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN. So any arguments people were making about "cleared to practice" means we won't be tolling his contract even though he hasn't been "cleared to play" are moot at this point. If there ever was such an argument to be had, it's not to be had now.

Given that Teddy hasn't been practicing with the team and has clearly not been medically cleared to play with contact, he's going to start the season on the PUP list, which means he's going to be there for at least 6 weeks. (If I'm wrong, we'll know in 2 days).

There is still a good chance he stays on the PUP list for the whole season, in which case there will be no arguments about contract tolling. It is written, it will be done.

And I'm not sure it would be in Teddy's interest to test the free agent market as is. Is he going to get any guaranteed money from anybody? I wouldn't give it to him. Would anybody take more than a 2 year deal with a guy who hasn't shown he can play football again? More than 1 year? I wouldn't. Would you risk a lot of money on a guy who might never play a snap for you? I wouldn't.

I think Teddy's best option is going to be to play another year with the Vikings in 2018, assuming he can, and show that he's at least capable of surviving this game again. After that, he'll do much better on the free agent market than if he forced people's hands now.

So sort of made two points in this post. The second, regarding Teddy's best interests, is mere speculation on my part. The first, regarding the confusion regarding cleared to practice and cleared to play, I don't think there's much to argue about.

@"NoGoingBack" said: So based on what's been posted, there do seem to be two separate PUP lists in the preseason, but that goes away as the preseason ends.

I'm guessing what happens is a lot of us heard Teddy might be cleared to practice, indicating that the team might put him on the Active/PUP list that exists in preseason, whereby a player can practice with the team but remain physically unable to play. These are not medical designations, these are NFL designations. In this context, Teddy could have been in a situation where he was practicing with the team but still potentially be placed on the PUP list come season start.

THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN. So any arguments people were making about "cleared to practice" means we won't be tolling his contract even though he hasn't been "cleared to play" are moot at this point. If there ever was such an argument to be had, it's not to be had now.

Given that Teddy hasn't been practicing with the team and has clearly not been medically cleared to play with contact, he's going to start the season on the PUP list, which means he's going to be there for at least 6 weeks. (If I'm wrong, we'll know in 2 days).

There is still a good chance he stays on the PUP list for the whole season, in which case there will be no arguments about contract tolling. It is written, it will be done.

And I'm not sure it would be in Teddy's interest to test the free agent market as is. Is he going to get any guaranteed money from anybody? I wouldn't give it to him. Would anybody take more than a 2 year deal with a guy who hasn't shown he can play football again? More than 1 year? I wouldn't. Would you risk a lot of money on a guy who might never play a snap for you? I wouldn't.

I think Teddy's best option is going to be to play another year with the Vikings in 2018, assuming he can, and show that he's at least capable of surviving this game again. After that, he'll do much better on the free agent market than if he forced people's hands now.

So sort of made two points in this post. The second, regarding Teddy's best interests, is mere speculation on my part. The first, regarding the confusion regarding cleared to practice and cleared to play, I don't think there's much to argue about.

How much do you think they would pay him? Would they pay him starter? Backup money? More money than the Vikes are going to pay him?

@"NoGoingBack" said: How much do you think they would pay him? Would they pay him starter? Backup money? More money than the Vikes are going to pay him?

Right now, Teddy is being paid a handsome amount of money to rehab his knee. If I was him I would want to become a FA, but he still isn't ready. If his contract tolls, he gets guaranteed $$$ to comeback to a playbook, system, and team (Plus a coach and GM) that love him to step right in and fight for a job (with that comeback mentality where he is the superhero and Sleeves will be the bad guy). Why would he want to leave? If he is healthy he will get his job, get his $$$, and get the full amount of time his body truly needs. Plus what a story! 

@"Neptizzle" said: Right now, Teddy is being paid a handsome amount of money to rehab his knee. If I was him I would want to become a FA, but he still isn't ready. If his contract tolls, he gets guaranteed $$$ to comeback to a playbook, system, and team (Plus a coach and GM) that love him to step right in and fight for a job (with that comeback mentality where he is the superhero and Sleeves will be the bad guy). Why would he want to leave? If he is healthy he @"Neptizzle" said:

Jimmy Said: how is Sam a bad guy in your scenario?   if Sam has a good year he will get the deal and Teddy will be tolled to make him trade bait to try and recoup what was invested in Sams acquisition.

I honestly dont see a QB competition next year between Teddy and Sam as much as some think it will happen.  Dont get me wrong,  I love Teddy and was on board with taking him as soon as PMember started pimping him as a sophomore.  However,  I have a gut that says its Sams job unless he shits the bed this year.
how does the front office win?
they franchise Sam ( huge 1 year money with these new deals being signed) which likely pisses Sam off as I am sure he wants the security of a multi year deal.    I have been told its very unlikely that Sam would sign a new deal if Teddy is still in the picture,  based on the Philly deal,  I would say that this is likely accurate.
unless something happens this season that gets Teddy on the field and he can show that he can still play at a high level I think we stick with Sam and go looking for another guy to groom behind him in the middle rounds next year.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

That's where the confusion seems to be.  There is NO DIFFERENCE between being "cleared to practice" and "cleared to play" when it comes to the PUP list.  Fans are trying to make it seem like there is a difference, but there isn't.

not just fans,  you know that there are good sources that share information on here.  I am not arguing with your stories linked,  just saying that there is another opinion and since this matter has never been broached that perhaps your story lines are not the end all.... or possibly the word I got is wrong,  just asking.

as far as definitions and interpretations,   that is all still to be decided.  PUP imo means a person is unable to physically do their job,  part of play pro football is to avoid hits if possible and to get up after taking a hit.  Teddy is not there yet,  however that doesnt meant that he isnt able to take contact free snaps.  

again,  not arguing, just saying that outside of the team offices,  the league offices, and the players union office,  nobody really knows for sure what is happening,  and I would question anything that comes from those offices until its been tried and tested the first time.

In all reality, who cares??? Teddy isn't going to start Monday night, it puzzles the hell out of me with all the freaking talk about a QB that is a nice guy but an average QB at best....  I don't care about his "spiritual" tweets and him being a "really nice guy"  who cares???  Bradford doesn't tweet at all, so I guess he must be a jerk.

lol.  Teddy is a member of the Vikings.  We have had lengthy debates about 3rd stringers here. 

It was a devastating blow to the team when Teddy went down, and it still resonates in the minds of fans.  No one mentioned Bradford, just talking about the status of Teddy and how it affects the team going forward.  So if you don't want to talk about average at best, then that is fine.  Don't drag contract/PUP status into a phantom debate about Teddy/Bradford.

@"Neptizzle" said: Right now, Teddy is being paid a handsome amount of money to rehab his knee. If I was him I would want to become a FA, but he still isn't ready. If his contract tolls, he gets guaranteed $$$ to comeback to a playbook, system, and team (Plus a coach and GM) that love him to step right in and fight for a job (with that comeback mentality where he is the superhero and Sleeves will be the bad guy). Why would he want to leave? If he is healthy he will get his job, get his $$$, and get the full amount of time his body truly needs. Plus what a story! 

The system and playbook love him? I think those - run by Shurmur - love Bradford, if anyone. Bridgewater knows that. He may have seen the trade for Bradford as a betrayal, he was certainly unhappy that his 5th-year option was declined (I mean, if everyone on the Vikings loves him and is confident he will come back and truly wants that, why not spend a measly $8M to keep him next year?), and I bet the contract tolling idea totally ticks him off. I highly doubt a full-of-himself age 25 pro athlete who believes God is sending him messages thinks he needs 2+ years to rehab.

Above all, he has to know that if Bradford does well, and the Vikings have a good year with him at QB, the team will sign Sam to a long-term contract (which is why you are convincing yourself Bradford sucks). Then Bridgewater will just be trade bait and the Vikings will choose if he goes to Cleveland or San Diego or Jacksonville or whatever lousy team needs a new QB.

Bridgewater got excited when Ryan Tannehill was hurt and the rumors rose that he might go to the Dolphins. Do you really think Shurmur's playbook and an uphill battle to unseat Bradford are his preference over going to his home state to reunite with Devante Parker?? It didn't happen but once someone fantasizes about quitting their current job and going to another employer, the idea is in his head..

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: In all reality, who cares??? Teddy isn't going to start Monday night, it puzzles the hell out of me with all the freaking talk about a QB that is a nice guy but an average QB at best....  I don't care about his "spiritual" tweets and him being a "really nice guy"  who cares???  Bradford doesn't tweet at all, so I guess he must be a jerk.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said: In all reality, who cares??? Teddy isn't going to start Monday night, it puzzles the hell out of me with all the freaking talk about a QB that is a nice guy but an average QB at best....  I don't care about his "spiritual" tweets and him being a "really nice guy"  who cares???  Bradford doesn't tweet at all, so I guess he must be a jerk.

why did this have to become about Bradford?   

@"Wetlander" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Wetlander" said:

That's where the confusion seems to be.  There is NO DIFFERENCE between being "cleared to practice" and "cleared to play" when it comes to the PUP list.  Fans are trying to make it seem like there is a difference, but there isn't.

not just fans,  you know that there are good sources that share information on here.  I am not arguing with your stories linked,  just saying that there is another opinion and since this matter has never been broached that perhaps your story lines are not the end all.... or possibly the word I got is wrong,  just asking.

as far as definitions and interpretations,   that is all still to be decided.  PUP imo means a person is unable to physically do their job,  part of play pro football is to avoid hits if possible and to get up after taking a hit.  Teddy is not there yet,  however that doesnt meant that he isnt able to take contact free snaps.  

again,  not arguing, just saying that outside of the team offices,  the league offices, and the players union office,  nobody really knows for sure what is happening,  and I would question anything that comes from those offices until its been tried and tested the first time.

Let's rewind...  here is the OP:
"Twitter rumors from several pretty solid twitter sources are strongly hinting that Teddy has been or is within days of being cleared to practice.  The rumors seem to be that he will come off the PUP sometime this week.  If this is true, things are about to get crazy."
So some "solid twitter sources" are hinting that Teddy may 1) be cleared to practice and 2) that he will come off the PUP sometime this week (i.e. he would come off the PUP once he is cleared to practice).   
This is a pretty black and white issue IMO.  Bottom line, if Teddy was cleared to practice, he would have to come off the PUP list.  I don't understand how this got twisted into a debate on whether he can remain on the PUP list if he is "cleared to practice", but not "cleared to play".  That debate is completely irrelevant.  Read the two articles I posted and then re-read the OP.  Practicing while on the preseason PUP list (Active/PUP list) is NOT ALLOWED. 
The ONLY gray area in this is whether his contract tolls if he remains on the PUP list through preseason and is placed on the Reserve/PUP list at the start of the regular season.  THAT is what hasn't been broached to date.  It feels like people are trying to combine two or three separate issues into one debate. 

@"greediron" said: lol.  Teddy is a member of the Vikings.  We have had lengthy debates about 3rd stringers here. 

It was a devastating blow to the team when Teddy went down, and it still resonates in the minds of fans.  No one mentioned Bradford, just talking about the status of Teddy and how it affects the team going forward.  So if you don't want to talk about average at best, then that is fine.  Don't drag contract/PUP status into a phantom debate about Teddy/Bradford.

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said:

@"greediron" said: lol.  Teddy is a member of the Vikings.  We have had lengthy debates about 3rd stringers here. 

It was a devastating blow to the team when Teddy went down, and it still resonates in the minds of fans.  No one mentioned Bradford, just talking about the status of Teddy and how it affects the team going forward.  So if you don't want to talk about average at best, then that is fine.  Don't drag contract/PUP status into a phantom debate about Teddy/Bradford.

Last time I checked, I can post whatever I want.... it justs seems awfully strange that fans of a team talk more about a QB that isnt playing and his "spiritual" tweets and him being "such a nice guy" over the teams starting QB. Teddy may be part of the Vikings, but at this point so is Shariff Floyd, I don;t see all your posts about him being a nice guy, great tweets, and so on.....  

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said:

@"greediron" said: lol.  Teddy is a member of the Vikings.  We have had lengthy debates about 3rd stringers here. 

It was a devastating blow to the team when Teddy went down, and it still resonates in the minds of fans.  No one mentioned Bradford, just talking about the status of Teddy and how it affects the team going forward.  So if you don't want to talk about average at best, then that is fine.  Don't drag contract/PUP status into a phantom debate about Teddy/Bradford.

Last time I checked, I can post whatever I want.... it justs seems awfully strange that fans of a team talk more about a QB that isnt playing and his "spiritual" tweets and him being "such a nice guy" over the teams starting QB. Teddy may be part of the Vikings, but at this point so is Shariff Floyd, I don;t see all your posts about him being a nice guy, great tweets, and so on.....  

maybe if our starting QB gave us something to talk about... anything to talk about we could be having that discussion.  I support Sam,  but that guy is whiter than vanilla ice cream. ( and i am not talking about skin color)  he is almost a robot on the field and with a camera in his face.  Teddy has endeared himself to much of the fan base and continues to interact with them.  Sam can be Sam and Teddy can be Teddy,  no harm comes from either,  but you cant get pissy about people talking about Teddy and not Sam when there isnt anything to discuss about Sam.

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Sir Viking Bob VWO" said:

@"greediron" said: lol.  Teddy is a member of the Vikings.  We have had lengthy debates about 3rd stringers here. 

It was a devastating blow to the team when Teddy went down, and it still resonates in the minds of fans.  No one mentioned Bradford, just talking about the status of Teddy and how it affects the team going forward.  So if you don't want to talk about average at best, then that is fine.  Don't drag contract/PUP status into a phantom debate about Teddy/Bradford.

Last time I checked, I can post whatever I want.... it justs seems awfully strange that fans of a team talk more about a QB that isnt playing and his "spiritual" tweets and him being "such a nice guy" over the teams starting QB. Teddy may be part of the Vikings, but at this point so is Shariff Floyd, I don;t see all your posts about him being a nice guy, great tweets, and so on.....  

maybe if our starting QB gave us something to talk about... anything to talk about we could be having that discussion.  I support Sam,  but that guy is whiter than vanilla ice cream. ( and i am not talking about skin color)  he is almost a robot on the field and with a camera in his face.  Teddy has endeared himself to much of the fan base and continues to interact with them.  Sam can be Sam and Teddy can be Teddy,  no harm comes from either,  but you cant get pissy about people talking about Teddy and not Sam when there isnt anything to discuss about Sam.

There isnt?  did you watch the games last year?? he was amazing, deadly accurate with no OL or Running game.  I'm sorry that you like the glamour of Teddy endearing himself to you, for now, until he can be traded to Miami... if you like glamour and endearment go watch the WWE  I will take the robot with the laser arm and accuracy

@"JimmyinSD" said:

I wasnt talking about coming off the PUP,  i have been talking about being cleared to practice without losing the ability to PUP him and ultimately toll his contract.  when it came out I heard that as long as he isnt cleared for contact that he is still able to be PUPd,  dont care about other articles or even league papers as those can change with the wind as goodell decides.  just curious about all we've heard and putting it out there.  i dont think anything is black and white in the NFL except the refs uniforms.

Sir Viking Bob, we hear too much about Teddy's spiritual tweets because acting religious gets people irrationally excited. Teddy should tell people he owns a puppy, his value as a player would soar even higher...

I was thinking about Teddy's injury the other day after I listened to Alan Page on the radio, talking to Dan Barreiro. Page told a story about Ara Parseghian, his coach at Notre Dame. He said a player broke his leg in practice before the season began - and Parseghian immediately moved all the other players to a different field and said, "Never mind him, keep practicing." Notre Dame won the National Championship.

I wonder if a lot of the Vikings players are as consumed by Bridgewater as certain fans, and that contributed to the apparent lapses in attention or commitment last year. Zimmer himself seemed lost at times. It might seem harsh to say Bridgewater is a "casualty of war" and march on, but it might be the way to win.