Vikings lose QB Ponder to left shoulder injury

Updated: November 7, 2013, 11:00 PM ET

By Ben Goessling | ESPN.com

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder left the team’s game against the Washington Redskins Thursday night because of a left shoulder injury that occurred when the quarterback was trying to stretch for a touchdown on a 15-yard run at the end of the third quarter.

Ponder was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.

Matt Cassel took over at quarterback for the Vikings, handing off to Adrian Peterson for a touchdown that put the Vikings up 28-27. But Ponder’s injury adds yet another twist to the Vikings’ quarterback situation, just as he was in the middle of one of his best games with the team.

After throwing an early interception on a deep ball to Greg Jennings, Ponder hit 16 of his next 20 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Vikings rebound from a 27-14 deficit to take the lead. He was starting his third straight game for the Vikings, who have used two other starting quarterbacks this year.

• Previously covered Vikings for St. Paul Pioneer Press


• Also covered Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild and Washington Nationals


• Twin Cities native and University of Minnesota graduate

ESPN.com – NFL

Vikings lose QB Ponder to left shoulder injury