Christian Ponder has fracture rib near his heart

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) passes against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns win 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Vikings were without starting quarterback Christian Ponder in Week 4 when they took on the Pittsburgh Steelers in London and it looks like they could be without his services for the next few weeks. According to Judd Zulgad of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities, Ponder has a fractured rib near his heart which could keep him out of action for up to a month.

Zulgad writes:

I'm guessing that with Christian Ponder having a fractured rib near his heart he will be out because of injury for three to four games.
— Judd Zulgad (@jzulgad) October 1, 2013

With Ponder on the sidelines, the door opens for back up Matt Cassel to take over the starting job moving forward.

The team was unhappy with Ponder’s performance to start off the season, so now they will get a good look at how the offense can perform with Cassel running the show.

Of course, if Cassel struggles with his extended playing time, the Vikings and their fans could be looking forward to Ponder’s return.

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