Winfield working his way back slowly

CB Antoine Winfield is taking steps forward with his foot injury, but the progress is slow. He has returned to practice on a limited basis, but it doesn’t look like he’ll play Sunday.

Antoine Winfield has been able to do limited work in practice the past two days, but that doesn’t mean the Pro Bowl cornerback is ready to return from an injury to his right foot.

Winfield, who was hurt Oct. 18 against Baltimore, missed the Vikings’ two games before their bye week and most likely will return Nov. 22 against Seattle.

That will give Winfield just over a month to recover. Winfield was on the field as the Vikings began practice Thursday at their indoor facility but he was simply doing running under the watchful eye of head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman.

The Vikings want to make sure Winfield’s foot can absorb the pounding of running on turf before they do anything of significance.

With the Vikings sitting at 7-1 and facing the woeful Detroit Lions on Sunday, it makes sense to give Winfield extra time to recover. Karl Paymah, Benny Sapp and Asher Allen all were used to replace Winfield in a loss at Pittsburgh and victory at Green Bay.

What the Vikings don’t want to do is rush Winfield back onto the field and have him get hurt again. Minnesota is expected to make a deep playoff run and wants to make sure Winfield is healthy when the postseason rolls around.

Most likely, the Vikings will list him later today as “doubtful” or “out” for the Lions game. Even if he is listed as “questionable,” don’t expect him to play.

NOTES

QB Brett Favre was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday because of what the Vikings are listing as a hip and groin injury. Favre hurt his groin the Wednesday before the Vikings played at Green Bay on Nov. 1 but he was able to play.

LB E.J. Henderson was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a knee injury but he is expected to start Sunday against Detroit.

WR Bernard Berrian was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a hamstring injury he suffered on Oct. 25 at Pittsburgh. Berrian was able to play on Nov. 1 at Green Bay and caught a touchdown pass.

LB Jasper Brinkley was able to participate in all of practice Wednesday and Thursday despite being listed on the injury report with a hamstring issue.

WR Darius Reynaud, who hasn’t played in the past five games because of a hamstring injury, was able to participate fully in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.