Ponder will be back-up while Cassel drops to third choice.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier has confirmed that Josh Freeman will be the starting quarterback against the New York Giants on Monday night.
Despite Christian Ponder recovering from a rib injury which saw him initially lose his place to Matt Cassel, the recognised starter will act as back-up on Monday while Cassel will feel unfortunate to not have had more playing time himself.
Having guided the Vikings to their first win of the season at Wembley just over a fortnight ago, the stand-in quarterback will now have to look on Freeman is given a chance to shine.
The new arrival has admitted that things have gone pretty smoothly in training over the past week or so, and he feels that not only does he have something to prove after leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he is focused on “wanting to be great”.
Coach Frazier revealed he had spoken to all three players about the decision, and while he admitted that he hopes Freeman will repay the faith shown in him by the Vikings, he has never considered not having Ponder as an option on the roster.
However, Ponder was a little less optimistic about his future in Minnesota when quizzed on whether he still sees himself with the franchise having now missed three straight games.
“I have to figure out what’s best for me and everything and for this team. I don’t know if that’s staying here or going somewhere else,” he said according to ESPN
Much will now depend on Freeman’s performance on Monday night, while running back Adrian Peterson missed practice on Wednesday because of a personal matter.
He is expected to return to training on Thursday and will therefore be involved against the Giants although coach Frazier admits that it is a “very difficult situation” for him following the death of his two-year-old son last week.
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