The Minnesota Vikings announced on Friday quarterback Matt Cassel will start on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Cassel getting the starting nod makes Minnesota's quarterback situation even murkier.
Minnesota posted the news on Twitter. In his only start this season, Cassel played well against the Pittsburgh Steelers; he completed 16-of-25 passes for 248 yards, two touchdowns and, most importantly, zero turnovers.
Recently signed Josh Freeman wasn't ever expected to start on Sunday - he's still learning the offense. It's a surprise, though, that Cassel leapfrogged a reportedly healthy Ponder to the top of the quarterback depth chart.
"Vikings QB Christian Ponder, who fractured his rib, has been cleared to play," ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted on Thursday.
It's the latest omen to suggest Ponder's time in Minnesota is over. Vikings coach Lesley Frazier had maintained that Ponder would remain the starter. On Monday, Frazier said Ponder would start if the quarterback was healthy, according to ESPN.
With Cassel starting and Freeman in the wings, Minnesota appears ready to move on without their 2011 first round pick.
Ponder didn't hide his feelings about the quarterback situation.
"Some of the dynamics of this organization have changed obviously with bringing in Josh [Freeman]," Ponder told ESPN radio on Thursday. "I would be lying if I didn't say it was a little bit disappointing and frustrating."
The Vikings could be quietly shopping Ponder around for a trade. Cassel was brought in to be a backup, and the Vikings presumably signed Freeman to give the 25-year-old a chance to be the starter. After two full seasons in Minnesota, Ponder appears to be the odd man out.
The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 29.
