If you think Turner has no use for three QBs, Norv says you're mistaken (see: Cleveland, '13)

To those who think Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner has absolutely no use for No. 3 quarterback Christian Ponder, hop aboard this time machine and we'll travel allllll the way back to … well, last year.

Turner was the offensive coordinator in Cleveland. By Week 3, Turner was down to his second starting quarterback. By Week 8 – less than halfway through the season – he was on his third starting quarterback.

Overall, the Browns had three quarterbacks start at least three games. Brandon Weeden started Week 1 and made five starts. Brian Hoyer started Week 3 – beating the Vikings at the Metrodome, in case you forgot – and made three starts. And Jason Campbell started Week 8 and made eight starts.

With fans and others stuck on discussing the potential for Ponder to be traded or released as the Vikings go with just two quarterbacks on the roster, today seemed to be a good day to ask Turner the following:

"Norv, considering what you went through in Cleveland last year, does that give you a heightened sense of appreciation for your third quarterback?"

"Absolutely," Turner said. "It never gets portrayed that way. I was obviously very disappointed in the opening game the way our fans reacted to Christian because I think he's done everything he can do. He's working his butt off. I think he's a guy who is going to be valuable to our team."

Ponder didn't play in the second preseason game. But when you've been in the NFL for 30 seasons, as Turner has, you tend to expect the unexpected when it comes to injuries and the like. So you still carve out a little time for the guy at the end of the depth chart.

Weeden's best game saw him complete 24 of 40 passes (60.0) for 370 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating in a loss to Jacksonville. Hoyer's best game actually came in a win over Cincinnati when he completed 25 of 38 passes (65.8) for 269 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 103.9 rating. And Campbell's best performance came in a loss to New England, when he completed 29 of 44 passes (65.9) for 391 yards, three touchdowns, no picks and a 116.8 rating.

Turner, of course, doesn't set the final roster. He was asked if he'd push head coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman to keep all three quarterbacks currently on the roster.