Cassel starts in London, Ponder injured
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Christian Ponder won't be taking snaps at the line of scrimmage in London on Sunday.
The Minnesota Vikings announced on Twitter this morning that they're benching their controversial starting quarterback and will turn instead to veteran backup Matt Cassel to start the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Photo gallery: Vikings get their English on
The announcement follows disclosure earlier this week that starter Ponder was hurt during last week's loss to Cleveland. The team said this morning he'd undergone a scan that found he'd broken a rib, and Ponder said the break was near his heart.
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"Christian had a fractured rib, and just felt from a medical standpoint it was too risky to put him out there and take a hit, not knowing what the possibilities might be after taking a hit to the ribs," said coach Leslie Frazier, in a press conference following today's practice. "He's a tough, tough guy, but it probably wouldn't be wise to put him in that situation."
The last Vikings games was also a disappointing performance by the third-year starter, with an upset win by the Browns.
Through the first three games of the season, Ponder has thrown only two touchdown passes and five interceptions, ranking him among the league's lowest performing quarterbacks.
The Vikings have also lost all three of their first regular season games this year, raising speculation that the team might be looking to make a change.
Earlier this week Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he still had confidence in Ponder, but the team also isn't saying when Ponder might start again. Frazier, though, tamped down speculation about a change again stoday. "I don't see a quarterback controversy," Frazier said.
