Christian Ponder: Former Vikings QB signs with Broncos

Christian Ponder has been signed by the Denver Broncos as a backup QB while Peyton Manning sits out with an injury.

I bet you never thought you’d live to see the day that Christian Ponder replaced Peyton Manning.

Well believe it or not that day has come. Kind of.

Today the Denver Broncos announced that they have signed the 27-year-old Ponder, former first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Broncos say Ponder was at meetings on Wednesday morning and is expected to practice with the team.

With Peyton Manning out at least two weeks with an injury, Ponder will be the backup to Brock Osweiler on Sunday when the Broncos play the Patriots.

Ponder has yet to play an NFL snap this year after being cut by the Oakland Raiders at the end of training camp. Ponder signed a $2.5 million one-year contract with the Raiders in March but was beaten out by Matt McGloin for the #2 job.

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The last time Ponder actually played was as a member of the Vikings on Oct. 20, 2014 when he filled in for Teddy Bridgewater against Green Bay.

After being drafted #12 overall in 2011, Ponder played in just 38 of a total 64 games for Minnesota over the next four years.

Ponder was credited with leading the Vikings to the playoffs in 2012, the year Adrian Peterson ran for over 2,000 yards, but was unable to play in the team’s playoff game against Green Bay.

Ponder has thrown for 6,658 yards in his career with 38 TDs and 36 INTs.

And now Ponder can say he was the man the Broncos brought in to replace Peyton Manning. If he doesn’t mind straining the truth just a tiny little bit.