As if the Vikings needed any more bad news, Christian Ponder is reportedly ailing with a rib injury he suffered in a loss to the Browns. Furthermore, he doesn't exactly sound confident in his ability to take the field on Sunday in London.
“If I can’t fulfill my duties, then Matt’s going to step in and play,” Ponder said, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today. The Matt he refers to is, of course, former Patriots and Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel.
Cassel is an interesting story. He was taken by New England in the seventh round of 2005's draft, even though he never started a game at the University of Southern California; sitting behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. He went on to win the backup quarterback job, and when Tom Brady went down in 2008, Cassel capitalized; throwing for 3,963 yards and 21 touchdowns.
He was traded to Kansas City where he spent four mediocre seasons. His best coming in 2010, when he led the Chiefs to their first divisional championship in seven years; earning him a spot on the Pro-Bowl roster. During a dismal 2012 season, he was benched in favor of Brady Quinn, and was released during the off-season.
He was considered to be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, and was swiftly scooped up by the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings spent the 12th overall pick in the 2011 draft on Christian Ponder and, though he has struggled, head coach Leslie Frazier has refused to give up on him. However, if Ponder is out for Sunday's match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cassel plays well, Frazier may have no choice but to keep him at the helm.
There has already been one change of starting quarterbacks, as Josh Freeman has been benched in favor of rookie QB Mike Glennon in Tampa Bay. Much like the Vikings, they are 0-3. Christian Ponder seems to be safe for now, but if the team drops to 0-4, look for his to be the next name that falls this season.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
“If I can’t fulfill my duties, then Matt’s going to step in and play,” Ponder said, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today. The Matt he refers to is, of course, former Patriots and Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel.
Cassel is an interesting story. He was taken by New England in the seventh round of 2005's draft, even though he never started a game at the University of Southern California; sitting behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. He went on to win the backup quarterback job, and when Tom Brady went down in 2008, Cassel capitalized; throwing for 3,963 yards and 21 touchdowns.
He was traded to Kansas City where he spent four mediocre seasons. His best coming in 2010, when he led the Chiefs to their first divisional championship in seven years; earning him a spot on the Pro-Bowl roster. During a dismal 2012 season, he was benched in favor of Brady Quinn, and was released during the off-season.
He was considered to be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league, and was swiftly scooped up by the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings spent the 12th overall pick in the 2011 draft on Christian Ponder and, though he has struggled, head coach Leslie Frazier has refused to give up on him. However, if Ponder is out for Sunday's match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cassel plays well, Frazier may have no choice but to keep him at the helm.
There has already been one change of starting quarterbacks, as Josh Freeman has been benched in favor of rookie QB Mike Glennon in Tampa Bay. Much like the Vikings, they are 0-3. Christian Ponder seems to be safe for now, but if the team drops to 0-4, look for his to be the next name that falls this season.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
Looking for fantasy football advice?
