The Vikings back Christian Ponder as their starting quarterback, and they have told Matt Cassel as much.
In a conference call with local media on Friday, Cassel said the Vikings were looking for a backup who could “basically be somebody who can step in if need be.”
Considering that Cassel had a deal with Minnesota on the same day he hit the job market, the Vikings clearly believe he’s capable of doing just that.
That said, the No. 1 quarterback in Minnesota is Ponder -- and Cassel wants to do what he can to aid him.
“The fact of the matter is ... Christian is the starting quarterback, and I think that we’ll have a great room,” Cassel said. “I’m there to add value. I’m there to help him out in whatever capacity that is and go from there.”
Cassel said Tom Brady‘s season-ending knee injury in Week One of the 2008 season was the “ultimate lesson” in staying prepared. The injury, of course, forced Cassel into the lineup -- and altered his career, giving him a chance to show what he could do for an extended stretch. The next year, the Chiefs traded for him, making him their starter.
Now, he’s back as a reserve, and he will work to stay sharp -- just like he always does, he said.
“The preparation always has to be the same -- you always have to be ready to play no matter what. So that’s first and foremost,” Cassel said.