by Sports Xchange

The Vikings have been filling in for Winfield with Karl Paymah and Benny Sapp both seeing time at the left corner spot. Rookie Asher Allen also is getting time in the nickel package.

While those three haven't embarrassed themselves, Winfield is a Pro Bowl player who is not only good against the pass but also very good at coming up to stop the run.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR Bernard Berrian will get time to rest his sore hamstring during the bye week. Berrian was injured two weeks ago against Pittsburgh but managed to play and catch a touchdown pass last Sunday against the Packers.

--QB Brett Favre also will benefit from the rest for various body parts. He played last Sunday despite having suffered a groin injury in practice during the week. Favre is the NFL's all-time ironman in terms of starts so no one expects him to start missing time now.

--LB Erin Henderson was active for the first time this season last Sunday after missing the first portion of the season because of a leg injury. Henderson saw time on special teams.

--WR Darius Reynaud has not played since Week 3 because of a hamstring injury and it now appears that Jaymar Johnson has taken over as the Vikings' primary punt return man. Coach Brad Childress also said Percy Harvin could get a chance to return punts.

--FB Naufahu Tahi should be ready to return for the Vikings next game on Nov. 15 after missing last Sunday's contest because he reportedly suffered an eye injury while horsing around with running back Adrian Peterson.

INJURY IMPACT: The return of cornerback Antoine Winfield should give the defense a boost when that happens. The Vikings have several players who will benefit from the time off during the bye as they get to rest. Brett Favre (groin) and Bernard Berrian (hamstring) will be among them.