Ponder’s Rib Injury Makes It Hard To Breathe And Yell

Sep 28, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) at the NFL on Regent Street block party in advance of the NFL International Series game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In the second quarter of the Vikings game against the Cleveland Browns in week 3, Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder knew something was wrong.  He was thrown to the ground by a defender and immediately felt discomfort.  Despite the intense pain from the injury, Ponder finished the game.  Later on, it was confirmed by medical personnel that Ponder fractured the sixth rib on his left side.

Here is what Christian Ponder had to say to the media about his fractured rib:

"“The one right in front of my heart. It’s hard to breathe and it’s hard to yell. So when I was in my cadence at the line, it’s hard to be loud. I didn’t realize what exactly what was wrong. I didn’t say anything until after the game. I didn’t think it was broken, but they got a scan and the fracture showed up. But injuries are part of the game.”"

Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) 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

Head coach Leslie Frazier says that Ponder is still his starting quarterback, but Frazier has also said that he will be re-evaluating things during the bye week.  It will be interesting to see how the team addresses the injury and the what direction the team wants to take at the quarterback position going forward.

Last week, backup quarterback Matt Cassel stepped in for the injured Ponder in the Vikings week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Cassel was able to lead the team to their first win of the season while earning a quarterback rating of 123.4.  Most fans are very encouraged by this performance by Cassel and have grown tired of waiting to see if Christian Ponder can develop into a franchise quarterback for Minnesota.