Fansided

Vikings’ Christian Ponder in a spectator role at camp

By Mike Dyce

Jul 25, 2014; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) and quarterback Christian Ponder (7) leave the field after practice at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2014; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) and quarterback Christian Ponder (7) leave the field after practice at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings drafted Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to bring him into their mess under center. It looks like he is performing well though, and coupled with Matt Cassel’s success, has pushed former first-round draft pick Christian Ponder down the depth chart.

From ESPN 1500 Twin Cities:

"While Cassel and Bridgewater get the majority of the work, Christian Ponder has been relegated to the role of spectator. Once in a while, the 12th-overall pick in the 2011 draft gets a snap with the third team."

And with Ponder basically not participating in training camp, that could be foreshadowing the end of his tenure with the team.

"It’s safe to make the assumption that Zimmer and Turner are going to be comfortable with Bridgewater being either the starter or the backup to Cassel. And if the comfort with Bridgewater is there, Zimmer should tell general manager Rick Spielman that it’s time to sever ties with Ponder."

Ponder likely wouldn’t be cut until later in training camp. They still need warm bodies to trot out onto the field in preseason games to keep the starter and back up healthy.

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