After a week of practices, including two full sessions Thursday and Friday, Mackensie Alexander said he's "confident" he can play despite a right elbow dislocated Sept. 8 against the Falcons.
Alexander, the Vikings' slot cornerback, is still listed as questionable Sunday against the Bears despite saying he's content with his nearly three-week recovery. He returned to practice this week with a brace on his right elbow.
"It feels good, been working extremely hard," Alexander said Friday.
The Vikings coaching staff plans to give both Alexander and cornerback Mike Hughes reps as the nickel cornerback, according to coach Mike Zimmer, should Alexander be available Sunday. Alexander, who is in a contract season, injured his elbow on his 21st snap in Week 1.
"I want to play," Alexander said. "We're going to see what it's like, but I'm very confident."
Hughes saw a generous workload (37 snaps) last week in his return nearly 11 months after injuring multiple ligaments in his left knee. Hughes said he's feeling good after removing his knee brace for this week of practices. He plans to play without it Sunday in Chicago.
"I feel more explosive without it," Hughes said.
Barr set to return
Linebacker Anthony Barr's return gives the Vikings defense "a lot of flexibility," according to Zimmer. Barr, a leading member of the Vikings' blitz schemes, returns Sunday in Chicago after he was sidelined against the Raiders by a groin injury. He fully practiced Thursday and Friday.