The Minnesota Vikings came through in the clutch in the regular-season finale against the division rival Green Bay Packers with yet another solid performance from NFL MVP candidate Adrian Peterson and second-year quarterback Christian Ponder.
Although the team finally got the kind of performance they’ve been waiting for out of Ponder with the 24-year-old throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns, the Florida State product suffered a right elbow injury in the win over Green Bay last week after hitting the elbow on a Packers’ helmet during one his throws.
The injury limited Ponder in practice all week long in preparation for the rematch against the Packers this weekend. It’s been uncertain whether or not Ponder would be able to get back on the field against Green Bay with a questionable status, but now it appears that he will play according to ESPN.com:
The Minnesota Vikings have listed Christian Ponder as questionable, but the quarterback is expected to play in Saturday’s playoff game against Green Bay, according to league sources.
If Ponder can play at the level he played last week against the Packers in Minnesota against Green Bay at Lambeau Field, the Vikings will have a solid shot of pulling off the upset against their division rivals on the road.
Peterson will also being playing a huge part in the Vikings’ success on Saturday with the Packers struggling to contain the running back in both games prior. Packers’ Clay Matthews said that the team’s main focus on defense will be limiting the production of Peterson out of the backfield.
The Packers’ defense will be given a considerable boost on Saturday with the return of veteran safety Charles Woodson. Although defense will be improved with Woodson in the secondary, it’s uncertain if this team is capable of containing Peterson on Saturday.
