Team news: Carolina Panthers | Page 100

The Christian Ponder era has begun for the Minnesota Vikings.

The only question is whether it will continue with a start next weekend.

"We're going sit down on Monday and just talk about a lot of things and just decide on what direction we want to go," coach Leslie Frazier said.

Ponder made his NFL debut with 14 minutes, 43 seconds remaining in Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, who led 39-10 and sacked starter Donovan McNabb five times.

"I don't see it ending like this, as you say," McNabb said. "But it's tough. You're one-and-five at this particular point. I felt like we did a lot of great things (Sunday). But I guess we'll sit down to talk, but I still expect to be in there next week."

Ponder was 9-of-17 passing for 99 yards (52.9%) and a 70.5 rating over two drives, both ending with fourth-down passes caught short of the first-down marker. But the rookie first-round picks's skills were on display as he repeatedly escaped pressure and made several rhythm throws into tight windows.

Whether or not the Vikings 1-5 record has to do with McNabb or not, the veteran QB's days seem to be numbered as a starter for Minnesota. With many rookie QBs already seeing time, like Andy Dalton and Blaine Gabbert, playing Ponder seems like the way to go at this point for the Vikes.

McNabb wasn't a great fantasy QB anyway, and while Ponder may have some potential, he's probably not worth putting in your lineup just yet. As always, keep an eye on him and his progress if he's named the starter.

Bengals QB Andy Dalton (right wrist, Probable) looks like he's good to go after practicing fully on Friday. He should start against the Broncos in Week 2.

Bengals QB Andy Dalton (right wrist) was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but the chances of his playing in Week 2 have increased over the last days after he threw the ball well on Thursday.

Bengals QB Andy Dalton (wrist) is unable to grip and throw the ball. Look for Bruce Gradkowski to get the start against the Broncos.

Medical tests Tuesday revealed no serious damage to Cincinnati Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton‘s wrist area, but his status for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos remains in doubt, according to a league source.

Dalton was knocked from the Bengals’ season-opening win over the Cleveland Browns during the second half and did not return.

The X-rays conducted on Sunday were normal, and other tests showed no serious injury, but the injury could limit his ability to practice early this week. For a rookie quarterback who already missed offseason workouts because of the lockout, that would be significant.

Dalton said he is hopeful of playing Sunday, but it’s hardly out of the question that Bruce Gradkowski, who led the Bengals to the comeback win against Cleveland, will end up getting the start in Week 2.

Andy Dalton was knocked out of Sunday's game with a wrist injury, but it doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep him out of Week 2.

Dalton: "It's fine. I couldn't have gripped the ball like I wanted to. The plan is to play next week."

The bright side of Andy Dalton’s inexperience is it will spawn more carries for Cedric Benson. The Bengals' offense is built to be run-first anyway. Benson has the sturdiness and downhill style to get stronger throughout the game. He also has vastly underrated initial quickness and the ability to change tempo based on the action around him. On passing downs he’ll be replaced by Brian Leonhard, a solid blocker and screen pass receiver, though if the Bengals were wise, they’d give more touches to the speedy, space-creating Bernard Scott.

Benson’s not actually the main reason this offense is better suited for the ground than air – the front five is. It’s an unathletic but good-sized group that drives in run-blocking but plods in pass protection.

New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress caught three passes for 66 yards, including an over-the-shoulder 26-yarder for a touchdown, in his first game in nearly three years to help the New York Jets beat the Cincinnati Bengals 27-7 in a preseason game Sunday night.

Burress, signed last month after serving 20 months in prison on a gun charge, made his debut with the Jets (1-1) a memorable one. He caught a 20-yard pass from Mark Sanchez on the Jets’ first offensive play and another 20-yard grab in the second quarter, but the highlight came on New York’s last offensive play of the first half.

Burress took off down the left sideline, drew separation from defensive back Fred Bennett and hauled in a pass from Sanchez and fell into the end zone to put New York up 17-7.

Sanchez finished 12 of 20 for 173 yards and two touchdowns, the first to Santonio Holmes as the Jets’ starting offense played the entire first half.

The running game, without starter Shonn Greene, stalled during the first two quarters, gaining just 17 yards, as a driving rain fell at the New Meadowlands Stadium. LaDainian Tomlinson had just 16 yards on nine carries.

Cincinnati’s offense struggled badly early as rookie Andy Dalton, the second-round pick out of TCU, threw two interceptions that resulted in scores by New York.

Dalton was 4 of 11 for 29 yards after one quarter, and finished 8 of 19 for 86 yards.

It was an encouraging night for Burress, although it was against the Bengals, who have the look of a team that will be drafting in the top five in 2012. He doesn't have much in the way of upside.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw touchdown passes on his two drives, while backup quarterback Shaun Hill ran for a score and Jason Hanson kicked a field goal to give Detroit a 24-3 lead at halftime. They ended up routing Cincinnati 34-3.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was hit by Ndamukong Sung after taking his first NFL snap and Chris Houston intercepted the underthrown pass. Dalton, a second-round pick, finished 11 of 15 for 69 yards. He put Cincinnati in a position to attempt two field goals and Mike Nugent made one to make it 14-3.

Stafford was 6 of 7 for 71 yards. He threw a 26-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson, who didn’t return to the field, and a 7-yarder to Nate Burleson for another score on an overturned play.

A very good start for Stafford, even if it was against the Bengals. If he can stay healthy, he'll be a very solid fantasy quarterback.

Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham missed practice Tuesday but is expected to be back Wednesday and play Friday against Detroit. Developing as much chemistry as possible between rookie QB Andy Dalton and his primary weapons will be a point of emphasis, so having Gresham healthy will be a benefit.