Will the Pittsburgh Steelers See Matt Cassel on Sunday?

Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Watching last week’s loss to the Cleveland Browns was probably difficult enough for most fans of the Minnesota Vikings to stomach.  The fact that Christian Ponder sustained an injury to his ribs last Sunday was probably just an added “football to the groin” to the 0-3 team’s current woes.

Although Ponder finished the game, the status of his ribs makes him “uncertain” to play in this weekend’s game against the Steelers according to Brian Murphy of The St. Paul Pioneer Press.

While Minnesota’s coaching staff will evaluate Ponder throughout the week, they are definitely taking precautions when it comes to Ponder’s ribs in practice according to Murphy.  If the former first round pick is unable to suit up this Sunday or is forced to leave the game, then Minnesota will be forced to go with veteran Matt Cassel in his place.

Cassel, who was signed earlier this spring, has yet to take a snap during regular season play for the Vikings.  The 31 year-old signal-caller has posted a 1-2 record as a starter against the Steelers during his career, and he lost his most recent start against Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football last fall.

While there is still plenty of time until the Steelers and Vikings square off, Ponder’s health and Cassel’s readiness will definitely be things to monitor over the coming days.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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