The Minnesota Vikings could be in real trouble if Teddy Bridgwater is not healthy. The rookie quarterback has not practice with the team since injuring his ankle against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, putting his status for Thursday Night Football in serious jeopardy. Despite saying that he feels much better than he did when the original injury was suffered, there is a good chance Christian Ponder will get the start against the Green Bay Packers.
Bridgewater is fresh off a solid debut after throwing for 317 yards in the win against the Falcons. However, that win came at the price of an ankle injury. Bridgewater underwent an MRI which came up negative giving the rookie hope that he will be able to play, but missing out on several practices makes that hard to predict.
"Each day I'm making progress," Bridgewater said, via ESPN.com. "I'm just going to keep moving, move forward and try to get ready for Thursday. I just want to continue to rehab, do a little exercising today and see where I am these next couple of days."
For now, Ponder is preparing to start under center. The former first-round draft pick has been seen holding a clipboard more than actually being in uniform for Minnesota after getting demoted to third string. However, an injury to Matt Cassel and now Bridgewater suddenly has Ponder back in the spotlight, something he says he is ready for.
"I'm preparing to play, but we're hoping the best for Teddy," Ponder said, via ESPN 1500. "I've talked to Teddy, he's doing everything he can to prepare and be ready to play. It's a very different style of offense than what we've ran the previous three years. Without Adrian [Peterson], it's different. Defenses play us differently without Adrian. I'm comfortable and fit well in it."
Ponder saw his first bit of action on Sunday, handing the ball off nine times and rushing once himself. According to ESPN, the last time Ponder threw a pass in a game was back in Dec. 1 of 2013, his final start of that season. He exited the game at halftime with a concussion going 3-of-8 in passing while getting sacked three times. Most Vikings' fans are surprised the quarterback is on the roster given Minnesota opted not to pick up his fifth-year option. If Ponder can do enough in this game, he might be able to get himself on another team in free agency next season.
Fantasy owners invested in any of the Vikings' wide receivers might be disappointed this week if Ponder starts. The Vikings will likely force the run game with Matt Asiata instead of letting the quarterback throw the ball around. The Packers defense has looked strong this season which could be issues for the quarterback.
