It’s Josh Freeman‘s time to shine in purple and gold.
The Vikings announced Wednesday that Freeman will start at quarterback for Monday night’s game against the winless Giants. Christian Ponder will be Freeman’s backup, pushing Matt Cassel, who got the start in each of the team’s last two games, to third string.
“[Freeman] has adapted to our system,” head coach Leslie Frazier told reporters Wednesday. “I like his work ethic. He has done enough for us to say that he is ready.”
The Vikings scooped up Freeman on Oct. 6 after he was cut by Tampa Bay, where the fifth-year pro had put up dismal numbers and feuded with coach Greg Schiano before being benched three games into the season. If he performs well in Minnesota, Freeman has the chance to take the starting job for good from Ponder, who has never quite lived up to expectations since being drafted 12th overall two years ago.
According to Chip Scroggins of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Ponder was asked recently if he would be open to being traded, to which the quarterback answered, “I don’t know.”
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The Vikings are currently 1-4 on the season, with their only win coming over the 1-4 Steelers in London.
Photo via Facebook/Minnesota Vikings
