Vikings are not expecting injured Winfield to play much

The Minnesota Vikings star cornerback Antoine Winfield put on his Vikings jersey back to play against the Cincinnati Bengals three weeks ago after missing six games because of foot injury. His performance in the first game after returning was fine enough to be called standout, but for the next two games, they might be considered Winfield’s worst.

Being beaten in coverage several times, Winfield seemed likely to lose confidence from the team, which has stopped expecting much from the cornerback. According the defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, a reduced role for Winfield is being considered, and the team is thinking that a healthy backup could be better suited to more extensive action given Winfield’s health.

The Vikings hope to have defensive tackle Pat Williams back for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants after missing the last one with an elbow injury. His backup Jimmy Kennedy has missed practices this week with a thumb injury.

Vikings CB Winfield will not play against Lions this Sunday

The Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield told reporters Friday that he will not be able to play for his team this Sunday as he has to take care of his injured right foot.

“I’ve been out the last couple of days running on it, testing it,” Winfield said on Friday. “It’s good going forward but I still have a little problem cutting. But I would say next week I should be OK.”

Having missed the last two games, the Pro Bowler has been expected to be available for playing against the Detroit Lions this weekend. And he did wear his Vikings jersey and practice in full gear all week but just still feels pain when he plants on the foot, which seems not ready to support him for playing a full game.

He is still happy that he can sit out to see Vikings win the last game against the Green Bay Packers. As for next week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, Winfield would not like to promise he will be able to play as he does not want to take the risk of being further injured by rushing back and missing even more games.

Vikings CB Winfield was listed doubtful against Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers may feel a bit eased when they learned that the Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield was listed doubtful for Sunday’s game. It just made it more possible for them to keep their 100-yard streak.

Winfield was injured last Sunday in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens and did not practice all week. Benny Sapp would likely get the starting job in his place if Winfield cannot play Sunday. But Winfield’s absence, coupled with the bumps and bruises affecting safety Madieu Williams and backup safety Husain Abdullah, will make life much easier for Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback in Steelers jersey and the Steelers second-ranked passing offense.

Fortunately, starting running back Adrian Peterson, ankles injured, right tackles Phil Loadholt with ankle injury and backup safety Eric Frampton, also ankle injured, are all probable for Sunday game. Punt returner Darius Rey with hamstring injured is also doubtful. And along with Williams and Abdullah, Vikings kick returner and receiver Percy Harvin was questionable with shoulder injury.