The Minnesota Vikings named quarterback Matt Cassel the starter over first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater.
Fox Sports was the first to report on Monday morning that Cassel won the job.
Vikings players were informed this morning that Matt Cassel will be the starting QB in Minnesota over Teddy Bridgewater
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) August 25, 2014
Later, the Associated Press noted that Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed the news.
"I think he's played great. The team has a lot of confidence in him. They feel good about his veteran leadership and presence,” Zimmer said of Cassel.
The 32-year-old started his career with the New England Patriots as a backup to Tom Brady, before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. He made the Pro Bowl a year later. In 2013, he began the season with Minnesota behind quarterback Christian Ponder, but ended up starting in nine games.
Cassel threw for 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in those starts and had a passer rating of 81.6.
The possibility of Bridgewater playing this season could still be open, but for now the team has decided to go with experience over inexperience against the St. Louis Rams in Week 1.