Captain Munnerlyn optimistic he'll play despite being listed as questionable for Sunday

Three Vikings defenders are listed questionable to play Sunday against Arizona.

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn is optimistic he’ll play after getting a full practice in on Friday. Last week, Munnerlyn sat out his first game since 2011 due to a sprained ankle. The Vikings will need him back in the slot, where Cardinals stalwart Larry Fitzgerald often lines up.

“It was very frustrating,” Munnerlyn said. “I had to miss a game. Hopefully I’m back this week, flying around, moving around and making plays.”

Munnerlyn said he was “lucky” he wasn’t injured further two weeks ago against Detroit, when his foot was pinned and knee got twisted early in the game.

“If you go back and look at the play, you’ll say the same thing,” Munnerlyn said. “Foot got caught up, got pushed down — knee isn’t supposed to bend like that. I definitely got lucky.”

Linebacker Eric Kendricks (hip) and cornerback Marcus Sherels (ankle) are also listed questionable, though both appear likely to return after practicing in full on Friday. Sherels had a full week of practices while Kendricks returned on Thursday.

Two cornerbacks are good to go as Xavier Rhodes cleared the concussion protocol this week after colliding with teammate Audie Cole in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Newman, who was held out of practice Wednesday with an illness, is also expected to play.

However, the Vikings offense will once again be shuffling tackles after left tackle Jake Long was placed on injured reserve this week. T.J. Clemmings is expected to move back to left tackle with Jeremiah Sirles expected to start at right tackle.

Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee) is the only Vikings player ruled out for Sunday. He’ll miss his ninth straight game while rehabbing from knee surgery.