Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield has expressed concern regarding the prospect of facing a Saints offense despite having only three healthy corners.
As it turns out, the Vikings could get a fourth on Thursday night, and it’s the one they least expected to have.
Cedric Griffin, who popped an ACL during the kickoff that launched overtime in the NFC title game at the Superdome, has been listed as questionable. Rookie Chris Cook, who was expected to start in Griffin’s place, is out with a knee injury of his own.
Other corners are Winfield, Lito Sheppard, and Asher Allen.
Also out for the Vikings is defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (knee). Running back Toby Gerhart (knee) is questionable, and three are probable: quarterback Brett Favre (ankle), safety Jamarca Sanford (ankle), and center John Sullivan (calf).
For the Saints, linebacker Stanley Arnoux (ankle) and running back Chris Ivory (knee) are out. Tackle Zach Strief (knee) is questionable. Six player are probable, including receiver Marques Colston (kidney), tight end Jimmy Graham (ankle), defensive tackle Tony Hargrove (knee), cornerback Tracy Porter (knee), safety Pierson Prioleau (knee), and linebacker Jonathan Vilma (groin).
Hargrove has been listed as probably despite missing practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.