EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - Josh Freeman will be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night against the New York Giants.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier made the announcement after practice Wednesday. Frazier said Christian Ponder will be the backup, not Matt Cassel.

Freeman will be the third starter in the last four games for Minnesota, assuming he makes it through the week without problems.

Freeman was cut by Tampa Bay on Oct. 3 and signed by Minnesota five days later. The 25-year-old started 59 games over four-plus seasons with the Buccaneers. The former first-round draft pick got a one-year contract with the Vikings (1-4).

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