Antoine Winfield expects to play for Minnesota Vikings

Antoine Winfield isn't going to let an injury keep him from helping the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

The 35-year-old cornerback broke his hand in Sunday's 23-6 win over the Houston Texans, but played through the pain. Vikings coach Leslie Fraziertold The Star Tribune on Monday that Winfield expects to play with a soft cast against the Packers in a game that will help decide Minnesota's playoff fate.

Winfield played in only five games last season, but has been a revelation for the Vikings (9-6) during their surprising run in 2012.

He's an outstanding tackler and solid cover corner, giving the Vikings more options upfront because of the security he provides in the secondary. The Vikings' defense -- which shows more complex looks to an offense than it's given credit for -- has flown under the radar.

So has Winfield, but the Vikings wouldn't be here without him.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.