Vikings to start Cassel vs. Panthers

Quarterback Matt Cassel will start for the Minnesota Vikings against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, coach Leslie Frazier confirmed Friday.

Christian Ponder returned to practice this week following a rib injury that sidelined him for the Vikings' last game, but Cassel was expected to start after leading Minnesota to its first victory of the season two weeks ago in London.

Josh Freeman, signed Monday, is still getting acclimated to the playbook and isn't likely to be active Sunday.