Even during a 2-10 disaster, it's never good when the head coach steps to the podium the day after a game and announces the most significant injury belongs to the quarterback.
Rookie Christian Ponder has a hip-pointer compliments of the beating he took during Sunday's 35-32 loss to the Broncos at Mall of America Field. Coach Leslie Frazier said the hit that caused the injury came early on, which makes sense since Ponder was seen limping very early in the game.
Ponder stayed in the game and threw for 381 yards, a franchise rookie record, but he also turned the ball over three times, leading to 10 points and costing at least another 3 because his fumble came in the red zone.
"Christian was probably the guy who was the one we're most concerned about," Frazier said. "He has a hip-pointer. We'll have to see how he progresses as the week goes on. He took a shot early in the game and was able to finish the game, but it did inhibit his movement. So we'll see how he does as the week goes on."
Frazier said Ponder would be limited in practice, if he's able to practice at all. If Ponder can't play, Frazier said Joe Webb would start. Sage Rosenfels, who was signed on Friday, doesn't know the offense well enough yet to start, Frazier said.
In other injury news:
- Chad Greenway had a hyper-extended elbow. He came back into the game. Frazier thinks Greenway will be fine.
- Frazier said Adrian Peterson is "very close" to returning from a high left ankle sprain. "We'll have a better indication on Wednesday when he comes back."
- Defensive end Brian Robison suffered a concussion. Said Frazier: "We'll have to evaluate him on a daily basis to see where he is."
- Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe also has a hand injury. "Not sure how he did it, but he came in this morning and his hand was really swollen," Frazier said. "Sent him over for X-rays. It's not a fracture. Once the swelling goes down, he should be fine. He'll probably be limited when we get back on Wednesday."
