Loss is significant for Minnesota defense Brad Biggs
The Minnesota Vikings’ defense gets most of its props for a front that includes defensive player of the year candidate Jared Allen and the Williams Wall, but cornerback Antoine Winfield is a huge part of the success of Leslie Frazier’s unit.
Now, he’s reportedly going to miss four to six weeks with a sprained foot, starting with today’s game at Pittsburgh. That’s according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. Winfield showed up at the stadium wearing a walking boot, and will not play vs. the Steelers.
It’s a tough blow for the Vikings (6-0), especially as they fight to contend with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger today. Moving forward, the one helpful aspect of the schedule is Minnesota has its bye coming in Week 9. The Vikings travel to Green Bay next week, get a week off and then host Detroit, Seattle and Chicago. If Winfield is out only four weeks, he should return in time to face the Seahawks.
Benny Sapp will replace Winfield for the time being. The Vikings’ pass defense ranks 24th in the league right now, but that is due in part to the fact that they have been leading in their games and teams have been throwing to catch up vs. them.
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Aug 20, 2010
05:56 AM
But they never lost like this, and this team fashioned plans for a deep playoff run. Now, the Bears are best not worrying about chasing the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North or wasting time thinking about the postseason.