Ponder has rib injury. Does this open the door...

[majorm]

..to put Cassell in but not make it look like Ponder has played himself to the bench?

Ponder says he hurt the ribs in the Cleveland game but right now is planning on playing through it.

Sounds like the perfect opportunity to start Cassell, say it's because of the injury and see if he can do any better.

[Webbfann]

Injury is our only chance, because Frazier will never see the light. I'm sorry to say I've been hoping for injury for a year. Nothing serious, just enough to get him out for a few games like a broken pinky.

..to put Cassell in but not make it look like Ponder has played himself to the bench?

Ponder says he hurt the ribs in the Cleveland game but right now is planning on playing through it.

Sounds like the perfect opportunity to start Cassell, say it's because of the injury and see if he can do any better.

[TheFoxInDetox]

It just came across the wire here on morning news that Ponder may in fact miss the game against the Steelers and the Vikings will start Cassel

Are you for real? Sounds like a fortunate conspiracy

Coach says, "Good morning, Christian. How are your ribs feeling this morning? That was a pretty good hit you took diving into the end zone Sunday."

CP says, "Ribs are fine coach, why do you ask?"

Coach says, "Well, you haven't exactly played up to our expectations and we are thinking about giving Matt a shot to see if he can light a fire under the guys. If I have to bench you to do it I won't be able to bring you back in without causing a huge, uhh...schism. If you are out 2-3 weeks with a rib injury I can give you another shot if Matt stinks up the place like you've been doing for the last couple years."

CP says, "what's that coach? My ribs are hurting so bad that I can't even think right now, I didn't hear a word you said."

[NextQuestion]

lol ^

If Ponder Is A Hassle, Start Matt Cassel!

[TheFoxInDetox]

I don't even care the circumstance, just give Matt Cassel one friggin' game. If he stinks it up that will shut me up and I'll accept Ponder until the end of the season. We know what we got in Ponder, let's see what we really have in Cassel other than wild speculation for and against him.

If Ponder hits the bench and gets back on the field before both Cassel and MBT have had a shot at a full game then I would be in favor of firing every coach on the team this offseason. Clearly Ponder stinks, both other QBs deserve the chance to show their stuff before Ponder gets the job handed back to him.

[TheFoxInDetox]

Wouldn't it be crazy if MBT got the start and went off and became the next Brady? Oh, how great it would be....

It would be great and it's not entirely impossible. Sad thing is I don't think our coaches have the balls to give him a shot.

[King James]

I have a feeling that if Cassel or MBT would had a great game and a win against the Steelers, Frazier would bench them the following week when Ponder returns..lol

[PacificNorseWest]

I've always said that if they bench Ponder then they may as well go to MBT.

This game against Pittsburgh is intriguing. If the Vikings move to 0-4, it could be Ponder's swan song anyway. Lots of these changes happen when teams have early bye weeks and during that same time so I wouldn't be surprised. It's do or die for Ponder in London.

[UKViking]

[King James]

I want to see a heavy dose of MBT too if Ponder gets benched. I have a feeling he could flourish if given the opportunity.

[TheFoxInDetox]

I want to see a heavy dose of MBT too if Ponder gets benched. I have a feeling he could flourish if given the opportunity.

I don't expect much from MBT but you never know. He's got a big arm and it sounds like he has brains and drive.

[VikingLord]

One thing that remains constant for this team - the injury-prone remain injury-prone. Cook goes out (shocker), and now Ponder has sore ribs (no way!).

[radar55]

Remember Folks........

This is the Minnesota "nice" Vikings which means we cant hurt anyones feelings. If we want to change Q/B's we need to create circumstances that allow the change to be made without making anyone sad or embarassed

This "rib injury" fits the bill perfectly and I suspect Ponders healing powers will depend on how well his replacement does.

[Mothman]

One thing that remains constant for this team - the injury-prone remain injury-prone. Cook goes out (shocker), and now Ponder has sore ribs (no way!).

That will happen when you give the opposing team shot after shot on your QB. Ponder was sacked 6 times on Sunday. How many more times was he hit?

[losperros]

Remember Folks........

This is the Minnesota "nice" Vikings which means we cant hurt anyones feelings. If we want to change Q/B's we need to create circumstances that allow the change to be made without making anyone sad or embarassed

This "rib injury" fits the bill perfectly and I suspect Ponders healing powers will depend on how well his replacement does.

I suspect Ponder's healing powers will depend on his rib injury, which is no doubt real. Just watch the game and the 6 sacks, not to mention the other hits. What's more, Edward is right about Ponder (and Cook) getting hurt every season.

If anyone deserves the dubious credit for Ponder getting hurt, it's the offensive line. If they don't improve and stop opening the door for speed pass rushers, expect to see Cassel and/or MBT take a thumping as well.