Ponder returns to practice for Vikings, will start

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) looks up after getting tangled in the legs of Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

By Jon Krawczynski

AP Sports Writer / December 28, 2011

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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.—Christian Ponder has passed all his concussion tests and is expected to start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the season finale against Chicago on Sunday.

Ponder returned to practice on Wednesday after he was knocked out of the game against the Redskins. He says he had a slight headache on Saturday night after the game, but felt better on Sunday and is ready to go.

Ponder was 8 of 13 for 68 yards before leaving the game against the Redskins. Joe Webb came in to lead the Vikings to just their third victory of the season. He was 4 for 5 for 84 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 34 yards and a score.

Coach Leslie Frazier says Ponder remains the team's No. 1 quarterback.