The Minnesota Vikings held Christian Ponder out of Wednesday's practice, but they're still holding out hope the rookie quarterback will play Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier anticipated that Ponder wouldn't be able to practice, but he said the rookie is improving, and the team will evaluate where he is Thursday. Frazier said "all indications" are Ponder will face the Lions, but the coach left the door open for other possibilities.
Ponder was injured during last weekend's 35-32 loss to the Denver Broncos, but he played the whole game and finished 29-of-47 passing for 381 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. He told reporters Wednesday that he has never suffered a hip-pointer before, and he was bruised and swollen.
"I'm not too concerned," Ponder said about the possibility of not playing. "I have been working ever since the game ended on Sunday with (the Vikings' head trainer). He has done a great job, and there has been a lot of progress since it first happened. Monday, I was pretty sore. Yesterday, I was pretty sore, but today, I feel better."
Second-year pro Joe Webb is Ponder's backup. Veteran Sage Rosenfels was brought back last week for quarterback depth.