Teddy Bridgewater Unlikely to Play Against Packers, per Report

The Minnesota Vikings coaching staff expressed optimism Teddy Bridgewater might suit up to take on the rival Green Bay Packers Thursday night. However, a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter indicates that the rookie quarterback's ankle will keep him off the field.

Bridgewater played well in his first career start against the Atlanta Falcons last weekend, completing 19 of his 30 passes for 317 yards. He added 27 more yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Vikings went on to beat the Falcons 41-28.

If Bridgewater is indeed inactive, the Vikings will turn to former starter Christian Ponder. Ponder has become a forgotten man in Minnesota, but he's performed reasonably well against the Packers. In his two games last year, Ponder produced a combined 35/51 passing for 461 yards and a touchdown. While he may not possess Bridgewater's athleticism, he can still run the ball as his 624 career rushing yards and 5.1 per carry clip attest.

Bridgewater was originally listed as Questionable on Wednesday's injury report. Stay tuned for more as the afternoon continues.

UPDATE: (4:15 PM CT) With just a few hours before kickoff, Schefter still thinks that Bridgewater will sit tonight:

All signs point to Christian Ponder starting at QB for Vikings tonight.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2014

UPDATE: (4:33 PM CT) We have our first report indicating that a decision has been made. It looks like Bridgewater will indeed sit today:

The #Vikings will start QB Christian Ponder tonight vs #Packers, source says. Teddy Bridgewater will be inactive

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2014