Christian Ponder will start Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings play the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced Friday, per Adam Schefter. Ponder was in competition for the quarterback job with Josh Freeman. Earlier this week, head coach Leslie Frazier did not commit to either player, nor Matt Cassel, for Sunday's game.
Christian Ponder to start Week 9 for Vikings over Josh Freeman
Ponder has been named the Vikings’ starter over Freeman. Both players were healthy during practice this week.
The Vikings signed Freeman after he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to evaluate him as a potential quarterback for the future. He had a rough outing in a Week 7 start against the New York Giants, however, before being sent to the sideline with a concussion. Freeman was forced to sit out last week due to the ailment, but was healthy enough to compete this week, though he did not appear in practice Friday.
Ponder returned behind center last week against the Green Bay Packers and turned in a passable performance, going 14 of 21 for 145 yards and no interceptions. If he can remain steady, the Vikings may opt to keep him at quarterback for the rest of the season. If not, the team could take another look at Freeman, who should become more comfortable within the offense with time.
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