Christian Ponder
QB FA
Mon 12/19/16 2:24 AM

Ponder was promoted to serve as Colin Kaepernick's backup prior to Sunday's loss to Atlanta, CSN Bay Area reports.
EDGE Analysis
Ponder has spent the entire regular season as the 49ers' inactive third quarterback. With the club receiving inconsistent play under center between Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, the coaching staff may be inching towards giving the former first-rounder a look in the final game or two. No official change has been announced, but if Ponder were to receive playing time, he would be a low-upside fantasy option due to his reputation as a "game manager."

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Fri 10/7/16 2:42 PM

A locker room source stated that "Ponder is the best quarterback on the roster," CSN Bay Area reports.
EDGE Analysis
While the locker room source doesn't make the decisions for the 49ers, they did suggest that there is some support for Ponder to start within the locker room. The third-string quarterback has a similar skill set to Gabbert in that he doesn't take too many shots downfield and also possesses the ability to run the ball. Regardless of whoever Chip Kelly chooses, it appears a change is looming after a 1-4 start.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Fri 9/2/16 3:16 PM1 Comment

Ponder completed eight of his 14 pass attempts for 101 yards in Thursday's preseason finale. While he didn't throw a touchdown, he rushed for two scores to seal a win for the 49ers.
EDGE Analysis
Ponder's case has become an interesting one with two strong performances this preseason despite only spending three weeks with the team. Blaine Gabbert is projected to be the team's starter and Colin Kaepernick had his first strong showing of the preseason Thursday, so Ponder isn't close to a lock to make the 53-man roster. That being said, he has looked strong in Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense and it wouldn't be surprising to see him back up Gabbert if the 49ers opt to part ways with the polarizing Kaepernick.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Wed 8/31/16 1:39 PM5 Comments

Ponder was not cut after the 49ers released the 75-man roster prior to Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers.
EDGE Analysis
Ponder was brought in to provide quarterback depth while Colin Kaepernick was sidelined. He opened eyes with a strong preseason debut against the Broncos on Sept. 20 but regressed with a lackluster showing last week against the Packers. The fact that Ponder wasn't cut this week indicates that there is an outside chance that he could make the team as a backup if the team opts to part ways with Kaepernick, who didn't impress in his preseason debut Friday.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Sun 8/21/16 5:32 PM1 Comment

Ponder completed 7-of-8 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos on Saturday. He also added 21 yards and another touchdown on two carries.
EDGE Analysis
Ponder shined in his debut with the 49ers despite joining the team just four days prior. He was brought on to serve as a placeholder until Colin Kaepernick (shoulder) returns, but his stellar production -- albeit against backup defenders -- has to immediately put him in the conversation to possibly make the team as a third-stringer. It looks like Kaepernick could return this Friday against the Packers, so it will be interesting to see how the 49ers use Ponder and rookie backup Jeff Driskel in that game.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Tue 8/16/16 4:04 PM1 Comment

Ponder signed a one-year contract with the 49ers on Tuesday.
EDGE Analysis
With Thaddeus Lewis (torn ACL) on injured reserve and Colin Kaepernick (shoulder) still not throwing, the 49ers need a third healthy quarterback for their upcoming joint-squad practices with the Broncos. If Kaepernick isn't available for Saturday's preseason game, Ponder may get thrown into the fire just four days after joining the team. Regardless, Ponder probably won't stick around beyond the preseason.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Tue 12/8/15 4:26 PM1 Comment

Ponder was released by the Broncos on Tuesday, Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
With Peyton Manning (foot) set to miss another week, the Broncos are apparently content to have Trevor Siemian serve as the lone backup to Brock Osweiler. Ponder will likely be near the top of many teams' emergency quarterback lists.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Wed 11/25/15 12:55 PM1 Comment

The Broncos plan to sign Ponder, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
EDGE Analysis
With Peyton Manning out, initially Ponder will work as the team's No. 3 QB as he learns the team's offense. For now, he'll slot in behind Brock Osweiler and Trevor Siemian.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Tue 11/24/15 8:44 PM

The Broncos are expected to work out Ponder on Wednesday.
EDGE Analysis
With Peyton Manning ruled out for at least the next two weeks, the Broncos will look to add depth behind Brock Osweiler, possibly by signing Ponder. Osweiler proved fairly capable in his start last week, and would probably need to suffer an injury for someone else to get snaps under center for the Broncos while Manning is out.

Christian Ponder
QB FA
Tue 9/22/15 9:58 AM

Ponder will work out for the Cowboys on Tuesday, the Dallas Morning News reports.
EDGE Analysis
Ponder will be joined by Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson. The team hasn't yet decided who Brandon Weeden's backup will be while Tony Romo (broken collarbone) is out, but if none of the veterans impress them, Kellen Moore could also be activated from the practice squad.