Vikes CB Winfield says chance of playing is strong

Nov 19, 2009 - 1:09 AM By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.(AP) -- Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield gave himself an "85 percent" chance of returning to play this week.

Winfield hurt his right foot on Oct. 18 against Baltimore and sat out the last three games. He participated in much of Wednesday's practice and said afterward the work was "without a doubt" the most he's done since the injury. Winfield said if he's not ready for Sunday's game against Seattle, he's "100 percent" sure he'll play the following week against Chicago.

Picked for his first Pro Bowl last season, Winfield has been missed, though backup cornerbacks Benny Sapp, Karl Paymah and Asher Allen have filled in relatively well.

"I'm not surprised at all," Winfield said of his replacements.

Coach Brad Childress said Winfield has been "green-lighted" to push as hard as he feels he can during practice.

"His body will talk with him about what he can and can't do," Childress said. "It remains to be seen whether he can make it to Sunday or not. I know that's his goal."

Winfield said he put his return last week at 50 percent. This week, the increased chance has got him even more excited to take the field and get back into the rhythm of running and hitting. Despite being listed as 5-foot-9, Winfield is one of the NFL's best tacklers at his position.

"I know it's going to be kind of rough my first game, but I'm going to pop back. It's just like riding a bike," Winfield said.

He described getting hurt as a "freak injury," without making contact with another player. The timing, though, was good considering it came at midseason and the Vikings (8-1) have only lost once during his absence.

"I'm glad it happened now, rather than in Week 14 where if we get to the playoffs I'd have to miss those games," he said. "The younger guys have gotten in stepped up, and they're playing well."