Vikings Likely To Carry 3 Quarterbacks On 53 Man Roster

Despite all the criticism that Christian Ponder has gotten over the past couple weeks here at The Vikings Age, it appears as though The Vikings may have a place on their roster for him anyway…or at least for a quarterback whose last name isn’t Cassel or Bridgewater.

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks on during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In a recent article from Brian Hall of Fox Sports North, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer discussed the possibility of entering the season with only 2 quarterbacks:

"“I don’t think we’ll be two quarterbacks, if that’s the question you’re asking,” Zimmer said."

And offensive coordinator Norv Turner got asked the same question and responded somewhat similarly:

"“There’s advantages to both ways, going both ways and we’ll adjust to whatever,” Turner said. “But I think we have a pretty good quarterback situation right now.”"

It is uncertain right now whether or not this is just lip service from the team’s coaches in an attempt to keep the value of their current third string quarterback high.  However, there is a value in keeping a veteran on the team to act as an emergency quarterback if something does go wrong this season.

Keeping three quarterbacks doesn’t necessarily mean that Ponder’s job is safe though.  It just means that the Vikings will likely bring 3 quarterbacks to the main roster.  But if you look at Ponder’s salary and guaranteed money, it should seem pretty obvious that (barring a trade) the Minnesota Vikings will keep Christian Ponder on the roster this year.

Fans will just have to accept that and maybe hold off on booing him.  Maybe.