Report Vikings Christian Ponder Cleared But Matt Cassel Starting

…On second thought.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ponder has been cleared to play after recovering from a broken rib near his heart.

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Nevertheless, Matt Cassel is expected to start on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Newly signed Josh Freeman wasn’t expected to start anyway, but with Cassel jumping a reportedly healthy Ponder, it appears Ponder’s status is precarious at best.

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said that the signing of Freeman – who comes at only $2 million – wasn’t an indication of the team setting the stage for Ponder’s departure. Rather, he said, it was an opportunity to build the team’s talent base.

The Vikings are 1-3 and Ponder has completed just 59 percent of his passes, with two touchdowns and five interceptions.

“I’ve spoken with Christian. I’ve spoken with Matt. I’ve spoken with (McLeod) Bethel-(Thompson) as well as Josh knows the situation,” Spielman said. “This is no determination on where Christian Ponder is. We think Christian Ponder has a bright future.”

That doesn’t mean that future is with Minnesota. Time will tell.