With cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, a valuable slot defender, looking iffy to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins, the Vikings could again turn to versatile veteran Terence Newman, who said he is ready to slide inside if needed.
"I've played corner, nickel and safety in my time here. Wherever they ask me to play, I'm OK with it," the 38-year-old cornerback said this week. "I just do what I'm told because if it can help this team win, I'm all for it."
In eight starts this season, Newman has one interception and six pass breakups and he was recently named to Pro Football Focus' midseason All-Pro team.
Newman mostly has played outside cornerback in Minnesota. But coach Mike Zimmer said this offseason that he sees Newman as a "defensive back" and this week said he would be comfortable playing Newman, who also played for him in Dallas and Cincinnati, at any of the five spots in his secondary.
Newman defended the slot in the second half of last week's loss to the Detroit Lions after Munnerlyn got hurt and rookie Mackensie Alexander struggled in his place.
Munnerlyn returned to practice Friday on a limited basis but walked gingerly with his sprained right ankle heavily taped. He is listed as questionable.
Newman wouldn't say who would replace Munnerlyn in the slot if he is out Sunday. But Newman said he thinks Alexander is capable if called upon again.
"He's getting better," Newman said. "He's learning the defense."