Christian Ponder Reportedly Signs with Denver Broncos

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has reportedly found a new home with the Denver Broncos, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Continue for updates.

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Ponder Headed Back to AFC West in Backup Role

Wednesday, Nov. 25

Rapoport reported Ponder will start as the Broncos' No. 3 quarterback while he learns the offense.

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Ponder Brings Experienced Option Behind Brock Osweiler

The Broncos' reported signing of Ponder stems from an injury update on normal starter Peyton Manning. According to Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com, Manning will be out at least two more weeks because of his plantar fascia tear.

Manning met with Dr. Robert Anderson on Monday, and he recommended that the quarterback spend a week in a walking cast before additional rehab.

Mason confirmed Denver’s intentions to bring Ponder in for a workout Wednesday in light of the Manning news in an effort to add depth behind Osweiler. Osweiler beat the Chicago Bears, 17-15, in his lone start this year, but Ponder would at least give the Broncos an experienced backup in case of another injury.

The Vikings drafted the former Florida State Seminole with the 12th overall pick in 2011, but he struggled to live up to the expectations that come with being a first-rounder. In all, he has 38 touchdowns and 36 interceptions on his resume and a career completion percentage of less than 60 (59.8).

The Oakland Raiders signed Ponder in March to battle for the backup quarterback job, but he did not do enough in four preseason appearances to earn a roster spot. Oakland released him Sept. 5, days before the start of the season.

Still, Ponder counts 38 regular-season appearances with Minnesota from 2011-14 on his resume and would only be asked to serve as the backup to Osweiler during Manning’s absence. This is a playoff-bound team with one of the best defenses in the league. Even if Ponder were forced to enter a game, the Broncos wouldn’t need him to win it by himself with that defense on his side.

With his experience, he would likely understand that.