Mike Hughes may jump right in as a rookie slot corner for the Vikings

Ready or not, Vikings rookie cornerback Mike Hughes' NFL debut is sizing up to be an active one Sunday against the 49ers. Hughes, who played a lot of slot corner this preseason, says he's ready.

"I feel good," Hughes said Wednesday. "Coach [Mike Zimmer] and his crew, they've done a good job of teaching me the scheme and new techniques, so I feel pretty good."

Hughes, 21, might play defensively against the 49ers after slot corner Terence Newman moved to the Vikings coaching staff last weekend, and starter Mackensie Alexander was held out of practice again Wednesday because of a left ankle injury suffered in the Aug. 18 exhibition against Jacksonville.

The Vikings have groomed Hughes as a slot corner since drafting him with the 30th overall pick this spring. He's expected to play there if Alexander is unable to start. What's certain is Hughes will return kickoffs. He fielded three kick returns this preseason for 69 yards, including a long of 30 yards.

"I'm very comfortable," Hughes said. "Back in the day, I used to play offense. So, whenever I get the chance to have the ball in my hands, I try to go for six."

Zimmer has remained mum on his starting center for Sunday, but quarterback Kirk Cousins is preparing to take snaps from newly acquired Brett Jones against the 49ers. Jones worked with Cousins at the start of Wednesday's practice while 2017 starter Pat Elflein, easing back into padded sessions, snapped to backup Trevor Siemian.

"I'm excited to build a rapport with Jones and the rest of the O-line," Cousins said. "So that hopefully we can develop a continuity as the season goes on."

"We're going to find out real soon," Cook said. "It's different, man. In practice, I'm trying to help myself by finishing runs and finishing plays to get myself in that type of shape. Once the game comes, it's a different story."

Alexander and running back Roc Thomas (ankle) were the two Vikings sidelined Wednesday.

Four Vikings were limited: Elflein (ankle/shoulder), left tackle Riley Reiff (foot) cornerback Xavier Rhodes (hamstring) and cornerback Marcus Sherels (hamstring).

Receiver Stacy Coley was a full participant as he works his way back from a groin injury.

• The NFLPA has renamed its highest honor after Vikings legend Alan Page to the "Alan Page Community Award." Previously, the Byron "Whizzer" White Award had been bestowed by the players' union to recognize the player who went above and beyond to perform community service in his hometown or NFL city.