Vikings Activate Chandler Harnish; Ponder More Than Likely To Start

UPDATE: Ponder's starting. So yeah...

Just a short while ago, multiple outlets reported that the Vikings have activated Chandler Harnish off of the Vikings practice squad. To make room for him, they have released WR Rodney Smith, both fairly surprising moves. That most assuredly means that the Vikings will be starting Christian Ponder for tonight's game against the Green Bay Packers, and Teddy Bridgewater will not play--but just so we're clear, there hasn't been an official announcement on that.

The #Vikings have signed QB Chandler Harnish, and have waived WR Rodney Smith. http://t.co/qHO0XOgtKl

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 2, 2014

Bridgewater hurt his ankle late last week against the Atlanta Falcons, and his status for tonight's game has been in doubt all week. With this roster move, his availability to start isn't completely ruled out, but it's not looking good.

So the Vikings will more than likely roll with Christian Ponder tonight in Lambeau. Ponder, who has an 0-2-1 career record against the Packers in Green Bay, has taken most of the first team reps in practice this week. He will also have to face some pretty tough weather conditions, as it's expected to rain pretty hard for most, if not all, of tonight's game.

So there you go. Harnish to the 53 man roster, Rodney Smith released, Bridgewater still officially questionable as a game time decision, but if you're a betting man, put your money on Ponder starting. Somewhere, the MacLeod Bethel-Thompsn Army weeps bitter, bitter tears.

Giddyup.