With Bridgewater Uncertain, Ponder Waits In Wings
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Teddy Bridgewater is progressing. But will he be ready for kickoff against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday? It could be a game-day decision.
Remember two years ago when Christian Ponder had to give way to Joe Webb in the playoffs?
It's ironic that Ponder now serves as the backup.
Bridgewater is doing everything he can to get ready to play. It's still two days away, and he's making progress.
"Feels pretty good. Each day making progress," Bridgewater said. "Just going to, you know, keep moving, moving forward, and trying to get ready for Thursday."
Let's just say, hypothetically, Bridgewater can't go on Thursday or he reinjures his ankle. You know who's waiting in the bullpen.
Christian Ponder has patiently endured this season. Now he's prepping like it's his turn -- again.
"I'm preparing to play, but, you know, we're hoping with the best for Teddy," Ponder said. "I've talked to Teddy. He's doing everything he can to prepare to get ready and play, and we'll see what happens."
Ponder played one of his best games against Green Bay two years ago when the Vikings needed it most, and that matters because it creates some confidence.
"I do feel pretty good. I felt like I've paid, you know, attention during practice the whole time, taking a lot of mental reps, and so I feel I'm pretty confident [in] what I'm doing," Ponder said.
So is this his opportunity to prove the fans and the football world wrong? In Christian Ponder's world, it's not about revenge.
"I haven't really thought too much about it. I know for myself I want to play well, but I don't think it's really to prove anyone else wrong," Ponder said.
You can watch the Vikings battle the Packers Thursday at 7:25 p.m. on WCCO-TV.
