EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Christian Ponder will start at quarterback for Minnesota against Green Bay on Sunday night, while Josh Freeman will be inactive after being cleared to practice. Next weeks as-the-quarterback-carousel-turns episode has not been written yet, but the Vikings have their guy for the Packers game. Coach Leslie Frazier confirmed after practice on Friday that Ponder will start against the Vikings bitter rival. Freeman reported concussion-like symptoms the day after his rough performance Monday night in a loss to the New York Giants. He passed the NFLs required tests and went through part of the workout with the Vikings on Friday, but this was too late in the week for him to catch up with the game plan and get ready to play. Frazier said Freeman will be inactive on Sunday night, with Matt Cassel backing up Ponder. Frazier said the Vikings expect Freeman to fully participate in practice next week, which will create another mini-drama about who will take the next turn through this revolving door, particularly if Ponder plays well. For now, the focus is on the Packers. "Ive got to any way I can help Christian out there. He had an excellent week of practice. Hes dropping dimes left and right. I know everybody is excited about moving forward," Freeman said. Freeman said his film review of the game didnt pin down the exact hit that caused the concussion. He said he didnt start feeling bad until after the flight home. This was his first concussion in the NFL. "Ive really appreciated how the coaches have handled it," Freeman said. "Its been kind of, OK, all right, take your time, feel it out. It hasnt been, Hurry up and get back. Theyve treated it and handled this situation very professionally in allowing me to get back at my own pace, which is, with any head injuries a necessary step." Conspiracy theorists were curious about the timing of the injury, given how poorly Freeman played. But he denied any exaggeration or fabrication of his condition. "All I can do is live in my truth," Freeman said. Frazier said Freemans inaccuracy was mostly due to mechanical issues, not for a lack of preparedness. "There were obviously some shots, looking back, I could hit in my sleep, but in the game they were maybe a little high. That made it hard on my guys," Freeman said. "Its definitely something that calls for improvement and definitely something that were working on day to day." After being benched for Cassel earlier this month, Ponder has the job again. The best game of his NFL career came against the Packers last year, a victory by the Vikings to finish the regular season and reach the playoffs. He also had a decent debut in 2011, at home against the Packers. Maintaining a positive attitude through the disappointment of losing the job after his broken rib was fully healed paid off for Ponder. "I wasnt sure if things they were telling me were true or not," Ponder said this week. "But I stayed focused. Like I said in previous weeks, I can control what I can control, and that was getting better on the field and getting healthy. Im healthy now. And, again, Im going to take full advantage of this opportunity." Tight end/fullback Rhett Ellison, who has been an important blocker in the running game, missed practice again on Friday because of an ankle injury and wont play on Sunday night. Frazier said his absence is "a pretty big loss." Stan Smith Scontate . New York (16-9-8) took over first place in the Eastern Conference and has the best record in the league with one game remaining. Houstons five-game unbeaten streak was snapped, and the Dynamo (13-11-9) are sixth in the East with one game remaining. Stan Smith Uomo Saldi . Simona Halep of Romania claimed the fifth title of her career by beating Samantha Stosur of Australia 7-6 (1), 6-2 in the womens final. After trading sets, Gasquet trailed 4-3 in the decider but broke back to 4-4 in a game that went to seven deuces with Kukushkin constantly failing on his forehand shots. http://www.stansmithscontate.it/. Nine-year veteran Danny Granger did not make his debut with the Clippers because of a technicality on the teams active list, which is signed by coach Doc Rivers before every game and relayed to the officials. Grangers name was printed by hand by a member of the public relations staff under the heading: "Updated Roster Additions," but the number on the sheet was not circled along with the other active players by the required deadline of 6:30 p. Stan Smith Italia . Bjoerndalen, who had failed to win any major race for two years before Sochi, writes in a Facebook entry that he is "full of energy and inspiration" after winning the 10-kilometre sprint and mixed relay at last months Olympics. Stan Smith Outlet Italia .Y. - Urijah Faber walked out on a Madison Square Garden stage in a Wes Welker jersey, the UFCs fun nod to that other "super" show this weekend.Newcastle United have virtually nothing left in the bank, according to owner Mike Ashley. And the controversial Sports Direct owner says dont come crying to me when it is all gone.The Magpies are in a perilous position, staring relegation from the Premier League in the face with eight games left following Sundays 1-1 draw with Sunderland. Ashley insists they have had a proper go this season, after spending upwards of £80m on new players over two transfer windows.But he told the Mirror: All I can say is; there is a bank account. When you have emptied it, its empty. Dont come crying to me for more money.[There is] virtually nothing left now. They have emptied it. I have virtually nil affect on Newcastle in reality because I only pick the board. Ashley speaks to Sky News in a rare interview Ashley told Sky News on Monday that the club are stuck with him if they go down and he admits he regrets buying Newcastle for £134m in 2007.ddddddddddddHe said: Do I regret getting into football? The answer is yes. Ive had tonnes of fun in it but I havent been able to make the difference I wanted to make in football.I wanted to help Newcastle. I wanted to make it better. But I havent seemed to be able to have that effect.I think everyone can agree weve had a proper go at it this season but the results havent been ideal. Also See: Ashley: I wont sell Carver: Norwich a must win Rafa has faith in Mitrovic Tyne-Wear talking points ' ' '