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2016 NFL Injury Report: Ranking The 5 Most Devastating Losses

By Erik Lambert

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after suffering a back injury during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after suffering a back injury during a NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws the ball during the first quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws the ball during the first quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

#1:  Teddy Bridgewater (knee)

Dallas could be considered a playoff contender with Romo but their roster isn’t anywhere near what the Minnesota Vikings have going. Their defense is one of the best, young units in the NFL. They still have Adrian Peterson looking like a Pro Bowler and now have an assortment of quality weapons led by Kyle Rudolph, Stefon Diggs and rookie Laquon Treadwell. At the focal point of everything though was Teddy Bridgewater. His efficiency, leadership and calm knack for making a play when needed made it work.

This team wasn’t thinking playoffs. They were thinking Super Bowl. Now those dreams appear shattered. Bridgewater tore his ACL and badly dislocated his knee. He’s out for the rest of the season and there’s no telling what long-term effects this will have. Meanwhile the Vikings have gone from possible repeat NFC North champions to a 50/50 chance of even making the playoffs at all. Bridgewater may not have been their best asset, but he was their most important.

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