Rib injury could sideline Vikings' Ponder
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was limited in practice on Wednesday in London by a rib injury and raised the possibility of backup Matt Cassel starting in his place on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ponder suffered the rib injury in the Vikings' loss to the Cleveland Browns last Sunday. He finished that game and was able to throw on Wednesday during a team walkthrough practice in London.
Ponder wouldn't specify whether the ribs were bruised or broken. He said his biggest concern is absorbing another hit, particularly in that region of the body.
"If I can't fulfill my duties, then Matt's going to step in and play," Ponder said, according to USA Today. But he added that "my mindset is I'm going to play."
Ponder explained that he played through similar rib injuries while at Florida State. The Vikings' equipment staff was preparing extra padding to protect the area.
Rib injury or not, Ponder has struggled in the Vikings' first three games. He has thrown five interceptions and only two touchdown passes.
Vikings coach Lesie Frazier has yet to make a decision on whether to turn to Cassel for Sunday's game.
"We want to see how Christian does today," Frazier said.
