The Vikings are hoping that CB Antoine Winfield, one of their smallest but most indispensable players, can return quickly from a foot injury that he suffered in the Week Six win over the Ravens, but reports have suggested that he could miss 4-6 weeks. DE Jared Allen might be the team's best defensive player, and he's having an MVP-type season, but losing Winfield for an extended period is a big loss.

Winfield not only is a top cover man who is instinctive and smart, but he's also a terrific run defender. Despite his size, he routinely comes up to support the run and plays like a small linebacker with his toughness and disregard for his body.

With Winfield out in Week Six, the Ravens attacked the left side of the field, where he normally plays. Ravens RB Ray Rice caught a screen pass and ran 63 yards, setting up a touchdown. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said, "That check-down was a five-yard completion to the side Antoine was on. You don't think that's going to happen if he was out there. He was obviously missed. There's no question about it."

But give credit to Karl Paymah and Benny Sapp, who stepped up against the Steelers in Winfield's absence in Week Seven. Paymah played left corner and Sapp was in the nickel, and the two players helped hold Steelers WR Hines Ward, who was leading the NFL in receptions heading into the game, to one catch for three yards. Paymah and Sapp both also showed toughness in coming up to support the run.

Can they keep it up? After next week's game with the Packers, the Vikings are on bye in Week Nine and have three straight home games to follow against the Lions, Seahawks and Bears.

The next four opponents, when fully healthy, possess some top-flight passing and receiving talent, so it will not be a cakewalk without Winfield. And remember that he played one of his best games against the Packers in Week Four, picking off QB Aaron Rodgers.

Winfield's physicality and outside coverage skills are tough to replace. Winfield often covers — and does a good job — against opponents' top wide receivers. And his absence also raises the bar for CB Cedric Griffin, who now must cover some top receivers. 

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