Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater returns to practice after ankle injury

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was back at practice on Tuesday after missing last Thursday's loss to the Green Bay Packers with a sprained ankle.

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was back at practice on Tuesday after missing last Thursday's 42-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a left ankle sprain.

Bridgewater suffered the injury in a Sept. 28 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

With Bridgewater unavailable, Christian Ponder started for the Vikings, completing 22 of his 44 pass attempts for zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

After the game, coach Mike Zimmersaid Bridgewater would return for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. 

• Aaron Rodgers wants to improve Packers' consistency

Bridgewater took over the Vikings' starting job after veteran Matt Cassel suffered a season-ending foot injury in a Week 3 loss to the New Orleans Saints. 

The Vikings selected Bridgewater, 21, with the No. 32 pick in the first round of this year's draft. Over three seasons at Louisville, Bridgewater completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 9,817 yards and 72 touchdowns.

- Chris Johnson