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Leslie Frazier

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Ponder Will Start For Vikings Against Packers

Christian Ponder will start at quarterback for Minnesota against Green Bay on Sunday night, while Josh Freeman will be inactive after being cleared to practice. Next week's as-the-quarterback-carousel-turns episode has not been written yet, but the Vikings have their guy for the Packers game. Coach Leslie Frazier confirmed after practice on Friday that Ponder will start against the Vikings' bitter rival. Freeman reported concussion-like symptoms the day after his rough performance Monday night in a loss to the New York Giants. He passed the NFL's required tests and went through part of the workout with the Vikings on Friday, but this was too late in the week for him to catch up with the game plan and get ready to play.

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Vikes Reeling But Frazier 'Certain' Of Improvement

The Minnesota Vikings are a mess. They've allowed 31.6 points per game, third most in the league. The offense has plenty of problems, too, as evidenced by the two interceptions and four punts on nine possessions in a lopsided loss to Carolina. Still, coach Leslie Frazier says he believes the Vikings have the right players on the roster to improve, and he's certain that will happen. The Vikings (1-4) play the winless New York Giants (0-6) this week.

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Freeman Signing Further Muddles Minnesota QB Group

Minnesota's quarterback this weekend will be Matt Cassel or Christian Ponder, not Josh Freeman. If Ponder has healed from his broken rib, Coach Leslie Frazier said, he will return as the starter. If Ponder is still hurt, Cassel will keep the job. Beyond Sunday's game against Carolina, well, there's no guarantee for anyone. The Vikings were finalizing Freeman's contract Monday, four days after the 25-year-old was cut by Tampa Bay. He didn't make it in time for practice but was scheduled to arrive later, and Freeman and general manager Rick Spielman were scheduled to address reporters in an evening conference call.

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Ellison Out For Vikings Vs Browns

The Minnesota Vikings will be without fullback Rhett Ellison when they play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Ellison was listed as out for the game because of a knee injury that sidelined him from practice all week. The Vikings are already missing starting fullback Jerome Felton, who is serving the final game of a three-game suspension stemming from a DUI arrest two years ago. Coach Leslie Frazier says the Vikings will lean on rookie Zach Line and veteran tight end John Carlson. Line is a converted running back still learning the position.

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