Injuries, illness could play role for Sunday

Adrian Peterson was limited in Wednesday and Thursday’s practices because of an ankle injury. He missed Friday because of illness, and another starter is listed as doubtful.

The word that Adrian Peterson not only has an ankle injury but has been slowed due to an illness can’t be viewed as good news, especially considering the Bears are coming to town – a team Peterson has owned during his first two seasons.

In four career games, Peterson has rushed 90 times for 554 yards and eight touchdowns – more yards than he has gained against any other team and an average of 139 yards a game. He has been the focal point of the offense in all four games and has made the Vikings offense tick in each of those games.

If Peterson can’t go Sunday, he will be replaced by Chester Taylor, but, barring a major setback today, expect to see Peterson on the field Sunday.

SATURDAY NOTES

Anthony Herrera is listed as doubtful after missing the week of practice with a concussion. Herrera hasn’t missed a start since becoming the starter in the fifth week of the 2007 season. If he can’t go, his place in the lineup will be taken by Artis Hicks.

Antoine Winfield (foot) remains listed as questionable but expects to play Sunday. Four other Vikings – Bernard Berrian (hamstring), E.J. Henderson (knee), Benny Sapp (groin) and Naufahu Tahi (ankle) – are all listed as probable.

The only significant injury for the Bears is tight end Desmond Clark, who is listed as doubtful with a neck injury.

The Vikings are a 10-point favorite Sunday. It has been a long time since any Vikings team has been that big of a favorite over a Bears team.

Peterson needs only one yard rushing to post his third straight 1,000-yard season. He topped the 1,000-yard mark last week, only to have a couple of negative-yardage carries put him below the plateau.

Jimmy Kennedy was fined $5,000 for a facemask penalty against Seattle last week, as was Seahawks safety Jordan Babineaux – who was hit with a facemask fine on Percy Harvin.

Former Vikings QB Todd Bouman worked out with the Steelers Friday.

Former Vikings offensive coordinator Brian Billick has had his named linked to the potential coaching vacancy at Notre Dame.