When the Minnesota Vikings line up against the pass-happy Steelers (that should work really well once the weather turns in Pittsburgh), the Vikings most likely won’t have cornerback Antoine Winfield.
The Pro Bowler is in a walking boot due to a sprained foot, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune suggests that he’s an “extreme long shot” for Sunday’s game.
Also, linebacker Ben Leber defended cornerback Karl Paymah, who was torched repeatedly after replacing Winfield during Sunday’s wide-left win over the Ravens.
“It was a tough position to put any corner in last week,” Leber said. “Backups get marginal reps during the week and to ask these guys to come in and play at a high level is a tough thing to do. No doubt they have to do it. This is our first real test with [Winfield] not being in the lineup so it still remains to be seen.”
Paymah, nickel back Benny Sapp, and rookie Asher Allen are the candidates to replace Winfield at left cornerback. It’s believed that starter Cedric Griffin will remain on the right side.