The Facts: The Vikings are entering the 2017 season with the assumption that Sam Bradford will be their starting QB, but Bridgewater appears to be further along in his recovery than anyone knew. He posted a video on Instagram on Tuesday showing himself dropping back and throwing about seven months after suffering a severe left leg injury that included a torn ACL and dislocated kneecap.

Diehards Line: After posting the video, Bridgewater made his Instagram account private. ... On Monday, HC Mike Zimmer said Bridgewater was running in a pool and doing non-weight bearing activities. Dropping back and throwing is a significant step forward from those things in his rehab, so it’s fair to wonder whether he might be closer to returning to the field than the team is letting on. The Vikings have been mum on Bridgewater’s status for 2017 and beyond, giving absolutely no timetable for his return and talking about Bradford as the starter. This video update doesn’t ensure Bridgewater will play again next season -- or even ever -- but it is a big step, obviously.