Vikings: McKinnie skips practice but is expected to play

Left tackle Bryant McKinnie sat out practice Wednesday because of inflammation in his left knee, but the Vikings do not appear concerned about his availability for Sunday's game at Green Bay.

McKinnie has not missed a game since joining the team midway through the 2002 season, a string of 80 consecutive appearances. He played through a sprained knee in 2004, a broken hand in 2006 and another broken hand this season.

Coach Brad Childress had hoped McKinnie would practice Wednesday but said it might be necessary to "settle him down in the training room." Artis Hicks, who started the first four games at right guard, worked in Mc-Kinnie's place.

In other injury news, cornerback Antoine Winfield participated in a portion of practice Wednesday, a week after tweaking his hamstring. Winfield, who did not play last Sunday against San Diego, said if he's at "80 percent" he feels he can play.

"With the adrenaline pumping, I think I'll definitely be out there Sunday," he said.

Receiver Sidney Rice also showed up on the injury report because of a sore hamstring and was limited. Receiver Bobby Wade (knee) also was limited.

Ferguson's fuel

Vikings receiver Robert Ferguson will return to Lambeau Field on Sunday for the first time since being cut by the Packers in training camp. The Packers, however, are never far from his thoughts.

The team's letter of termination to Ferguson hangs in his locker at Winter Park just below a small sign he made that says "Prove It, every day, every snap." The words "Prove It" are drawn with a green marker that represent the colors of his former employer.

"That's fuel man," said Ferguson, who signed with the Vikings after his release. So how often does he steal a glance at the document? "Every day," he said. "Whether it's a walk-through or there is practice. That's why I don't slack out there. I'll never get another one of those again in my career."

Favre responds

Brett Favre was asked Wednesday about safety Darren Sharper's comments this week that he hopes the Green Bay quarterback tries some of the deep throws he's been making this season.

"Those 50-yard balls over the middle of the field, we'll see how much success he has," said Sharper, who joined the Vikings in 2005 after eight seasons in Green Bay.

"I did see his comments," Favre said. "Well, if it's in his direction ... I threw one to him the first play of the game the last time. I don't intend to but the last time I checked that is his job [to intercept the ball]."

Sharper has one career interception in five games against Favre. That came last December in Green Bay. His interception of Favre in September at the Metrodome was nullified by a penalty.

Etc.

• During the opening portion of Wednesday's practice, the Vikings had their three kicking specialists -- punter Chris Kluwe, placekicker Ryan Longwell and long snapper Cullen Loeffler -- working with the linebackers on tackling drills. ... Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and defensive tackle Kevin Williams both are on Pro Football Weekly's midseason All-Pro team.

Staff Writer Mark Craig contributed to this notebook from Green Bay.