Joe

Webb

Webb appeared in two games last year, logging just 13 snaps, all of which came on special teams. At 34 years old, Webb is a special teams player with the ability to play quarterback or receiver in an emergency but nothing more. He will likely sign with another team looking for a veteran to add to camp but there’s no guarantee he makes a final roster this year.

Webb was active for two games this year, playing 13 snaps on special teams. The 34-year-old adds depth at multiple spots going into the offseason.

Webb was carted off the field Thursday. He had another very productive preseason, playing the majority of the snaps with Deshaun Watson getting plenty of rest and A.J. McCarron sidelined all summer with a hand injury. McCarron is ready to return for Week 1 as Watson’s backup, and Webb will spend the year on I.R.

Webb is still listed as a quarterback, but he only played 35 snaps on offense last season, all at receiver. He should continue to contribute on special teams.

Webb will move away from “special packages,” wide receiver, and special teams to concentrate on quarterback after impressing in spot duty last season. He will enter the season second on the depth chart, with the possibility of pushing Christian Ponder in the event of a prolonged slump.

Webb was a Wildcat/receiver/quarterback in his first two seasons, but the Vikings want him to be Christian Ponder’s clipboard holder and to push Ponder in camp. “Any time you can concentrate on one position, that’s always a positive,” Webb said. Look for Webb to open the season as Ponder’s primary backup.

Webb has seen a smattering of snaps in the slot this season, but has just one catch for nine yards. Regardless of how long of a look he gets at receiver down the stretch, he’s extremely unlikely to come into any fantasy value. It would be far from surprising if Webb was converted into a full-time wideout this offseason.

This confirms two things: Ponder was benched for performance -- not injury -- in Week 14 and Joe Webb’s impressive rally won’t lead to another start for the scrambler. Although Ponder was ridiculously careless with the ball today en route to four turnovers, he’s the franchise quarterback of the future. The rookie will have a long leash going forward.

Webb was accurate in his five passing attempts and has put together two solid efforts in the last two weeks. He accounted for all three of the Vikings’ touchdowns in the second half, including consecutive second half passing touchdowns to Percy Harvin and TE Kyle Rudolph. Still, it’s looking like he would only start if Ponder (concussion) were to be ruled out for Week 17.

McNabb’s heart wasn’t into it after being relegated to quarterback on the scout-team offense. Even if Christian Ponder went down with an injury, McNabb wouldn’t have played. It’s the third time in the past two years (Eagles, Redskins) that a coach has decided two other options were superior to McNabb.