Ponder has rib injury. Does this open the door...

[yezzir]

Cassel is starting on Sunday.

[dead_poet]

Cassel is starting on Sunday.

You're predicting or reporting?

[PacificNorseWest]

Get ready for a sack/int fest if he does.

Be careful what you wish for VMB.

[S197]

You're predicting or reporting?

That's what I'm wondering, from what I can find, it doesn't sound like a decision has been made yet.

“He did a little less than we were hoping; [he's] a little sore,” coach Leslie Frazier said Thursday, in advance of practice. “We’ll give him more [snaps], see if he can handle it.”

[dead_poet]

Has to be speculation. Frazier wasn't going to make a decision until Friday. Reports are Ponder did more today.

[yezzir]

You're predicting or reporting?

I'm just predicting. I'll be very surprised if Ponder starts. Ponder said "I didn't know I was injured until Tuesday morning".

I feel the front office has already made the decision for starting Cassel in London.

[Texas Vike]

I'm curious to know on what play he injured his ribs as I wouldn't be surprised if it was on one of his runs. Despite the number of sacks, I don't recall any of them being all that bad. The only play I can remember off the top of my head where he looked a little exposed is when dived for the goalline.

Haven't heard confirmation on whether this is the play that caused the injury, but on Ponder's second TD run it looks like he gets hammered as he dives for the goal line. He takes a good lick to the left side of his torso.

[yezzir]

Using the Ponder injury excuse by the front office gives them several options. Though kinda corny, if Cassel stinks, they can say they didn't start Ponder because his ribs were injured. If Cassel plays well and gets a win, the front office can say Cassel played well enough to warrant a few more starts. In other words, Cassel could be our starting QB for the rest of the season unless he falls flat on his face.

The bye week after London may play a factor in this as well.

[Crax]

Using the Ponder injury excuse by the front office gives them several options.

It also gives them the option to start ponder and excuse any bad play with the injury.

[yezzir]

I have a feeling the Zygmeister may have stepped in on this decision.

[Demi]

It also gives them the option to start ponder and excuse any bad play with the injury.

Yep. Most gutless way of managing things possible.

[Eli]

This seems like a way to get Cassel in without officially benching Ponder. So if Cassel blows they can say:

"well Christian is healthy enough now to play in week 6 and he is our starter" and if he's good "Matt played well against the Steelers, so we're going to ride the hot hand against Carolina."

Other teams may do this, but I don't see the Vikings under Frazier doing it, whether that's good or bad. I expect Ponder will play if he's able. And if Cassel does start or comes in as a sub and wins, I expect to see Ponder the next game. This team doesn't hold a lot of surprises.

[Webbfann]

Damn. Someone beat me to it.

Yep. Most gutless way of managing things possible.

[PacificNorseWest]

I thought Zygi reportedly and self-admittedly mentioned he lets Spielman and Frazier handle it all?

I know I shouldn't be all that gullible to believe that 100%, but he seemed sincere.

[dead_poet]

Christian Ponder is not practicing today. Assume Matt Cassel gets start. Leslie Frazier talks to reporters after practice for update

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