Vikings likely turning back to Christian Ponder as starting quarterback
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - The Minnesota Vikings may be changing quarterbacks. Again.
Josh Freeman reported concussion-like symptoms Tuesday afternoon, coach Leslie Frazier said Wednesday, adding that it's 'more than likely' Christian Ponder will start Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers.
'The fact that he's not able to practice today, you lose today on a short week, makes it tough for him,' Frazier said. 'We need to get Christian ready to go.'
Signed Oct. 8 after his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Freeman made his Vikings debut in Monday night's loss to the New York Giants and finished the game.
According to Frazier, Freeman didn't tell him until Wednesday morning he felt off after a hit in the third quarter.
'There was nothing on the sideline or during the game that made us go ask him, 'Are you all right?' ' Frazier said.
Ponder, the Vikings' first-round draft pick in 2011, took over the starting job in the seventh game of his rookie season and held it until he suffered a fractured rib Sept. 22 against Cleveland.
Matt Cassel started the next two games, leading the Vikings to their only win Sept. 29 against Pittsburgh, and then was replaced by Freeman, who finished 20-of-53 passing for 190 yards and an interception Monday as the Vikings offense failed to score.
Asked if Ponder can regain his hold on the starting job if he plays well, Frazier said, 'Obviously, we want Christian to have a great game on Sunday night and just focus on the Green Bay game - not look beyond that game. We'll deal with whatever comes after that.'
Receiver Greg Jennings said the demotion may have done Ponder some good. He had completed only 59% of his passes with two touchdowns, five interceptions and a 65.9 passer rating this season.
'Anytime you have to take a back seat, anytime you have to sit down for a minute, it gives you time to reflect - and I think that he's done that,' Jennings said.
'I think that he's seen how important it is to play at a high level at that position, but even more importantly, how important that position is to the overall success of the team and what it takes to actually hold that position.
'It's not just about your quarterback play - it's about how you lead off the field as well, and on the field. How you command the huddle. How you demand things of your teammates. I think he's had an opportunity to see that.'
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