Sapp likely to start in Winfield's absence

The Vikings appear certain to face the NFL's second-ranked passing offense Sunday without Antoine Winfield. The Pro Bowl cornerback, who didn't practice all week, was listed as doubtful on the injury report Friday, meaning there is a 25 percent chance he will play at Pittsburgh.

The Vikings used a rotation of corners in Winfield's spot this week in practice, leaving uncertainty about who will start. However, it's believed that Benny Sapp, who normally plays inside in passing situations, will be at left corner when the Vikings are in their base defense. When the Vikings go to their nickel package, Sapp will move to his normal spot inside and Karl Paymah will take over at the left corner.

Sapp, who has started 10 games in six seasons, said he doesn't know how things will play out but expressed no reservations about getting the start on the outside.

"That's what I do, so it's nothing to me," said Sapp. "If my number is called, I step up, not just for Antoine but for my team. Antoine has been kind of a mentor to me, so I look up to him and I've got go play in his spot. It's big challenge, but I'm ready to take it on."

Paymah, signed by the Vikings as a free agent last March after four seasons in Denver, said he felt much more comfortable this week after getting extensive practice reps, something that doesn't happen when Winfield is healthy. Paymah estimates he normally gets about three snaps in a 10-play practice period but this week said that number increased to at least half or at times all of the snaps.

"That's just being out there and repetition and being comfortable," he said. "Just making plays. As a [defensive back], you just react. You can't go out there like a receiver and just run a route the exact same as you're going to do in a game and develop the relationship with the quarterback. You've just got to react to what you see and feel more comfortable out there. With these reps, I definitely feel way more comfortable as far as finishing the plays."

What remains to be seen is what the Vikings will do with rookie cornerback Asher Allen. He has not been active for a game yet but should be up if Winfield doesn't play.

Linebacker Ben Leber estimates he has played only about 12 snaps this season in the Vikings nickel package when an extra defensive back enters the game. But defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier indicated this week that Leber's role in the nickel could grow. For Leber, that was welcome news.

"I appreciate the fact they understand I would love to get in the game more and get more snaps and feel like I could contribute in a lot of ways," Leber said. "I'm excited to see what happens on Sunday, if I can get in. I don't know what their real game plan overall is going to be but hopefully get some more snaps."

Leber played the middle linebacker role in the nickel for much of last season after E.J. Henderson suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 4. Leber could get more time at that spot if the Vikings decide they want Henderson to get more rest.

"The only place that would be somewhat new is if I went in for Chad [Greenway] in nickel," Leber said. "I know the position but the reads would be a little bit more new. But it shouldn't be that difficult."

• Rookie wide receiver Percy Harvin, who reinjured his left shoulder on a kickoff return last Sunday, is listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week. Receiver Darius Reynaud (hamstring) is listed as doubtful and is likely to miss his fourth game in a row. Safeties Madieu Williams (quadriceps) and Husain Abdullah (back) are listed as questionable. Running back Adrian Peterson (ankle), right tackle Phil Loadholt (ankle) and safety Eric Frampton (ankle) are all probable.