Coach Brad Childress would not commit to whether McKinnie will start Monday night against the Saints but that likely will be the case. Veteran Artis Hicks replaced McKinnie for the first four games but is considered more of a backup.

The Vikings requested a temporary roster exemption for McKinnie but eventually will have to make a move to get down to 53 players.

PLAYER NOTES

--MLB E.J. Henderson suffered two dislocated toes on his left foot in the Vikings' loss to Tennessee on Sunday and it's uncertain how long he will be out or if he will be miss any time at all. David Herron replaced Henderson at the middle linebacker position against the Titans.

--S Madieu Williams, who hasn't played this season because of a neck injury suffered early in training camp, isn't ready to return but is expected to be back late this month.

--WR Sidney Rice returned Sunday after missing the previous week's game against Carolina because of a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right. Rice, however, was extremely limited and it's not certain how much he will be able to play Monday night against the Saints.

--DE Ray Edwards did not play last Sunday against the Titans because of a shoulder problem and was replaced by Otis Grigsby at left end. Brian Robison also got snaps at the position. Edwards' status for Monday night's game remains unclear. The Vikings did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday. They will return to the field Thursday.

--LB Vinny Ciurciu sat out last Sunday because of an injury to his right knee. Ciurciu's absence is a big loss for the special teams. With Henderson possibly out, Ciurciu's injury also means the Vikings are thin at linebacker. One solution might be to promote Rufus Alexander from the practice squad.

GAME PLAN: The Vikings pass defense will be in for a big test against the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees.

New Orleans has the top-rated passing attack in the NFL, averaging 327.2 yards per game. Minnesota had the league's worst pass defense last season and is currently 17th, giving up 207.5 yards per game.

While there has been a statistical improvement, opponents have had success picking on Vikings right cornerback Cedric Griffin and Brees is sure to go in Griffin's direction early Monday night.

How this plays out will be crucial because running the ball against the Vikings is extremely difficult - Minnesota is third in the league in run defense.

The Vikings are 1-1 since switching from Tarvaris Jackson to Gus Frerotte at quarterback. Minnesota's offense has the opportunity to gain some confidence going against the NFL's 27th-ranked defense. The Saints are fourth from the last in the NFL against the pass, meaning the Vikings should be able to have some success through the air.

Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson has been held under 100 yards rushing in the past two games but will be facing the No. 20 run defense and will have the added motivation of playing in prime time.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Vikings RT Ryan Cook vs. Saints DE Charles Grant - Cook has had his ups-and-downs this season and will face a tough test in Grant. Grant leads New Orleans with three sacks and will be looking to increase that total going against a Vikings team that is led by 37-year-old quarterback Gus Frerotte. Frerotte has veteran savvy but doesn't have much mobility. That was in evidence last Sunday as he took several big hits against the Tennessee Titans.

Vikings LBs Chad Greenway and Ben Leber vs. Saints RB Reggie Bush: Greenway and Leber are going to need to be very aware of Bush, who has a team-leading 31 receptions this season. Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson dislocated two toes on his left foot last Sunday against Tennessee, and it's not certain if he will be able to play against the Saints. But even if Henderson does play, the middle linebacker in the Vikings Tampa 2 system often drops into coverage. Bush could become a threat on shorter routes, and Greenway and Leber will have to be aware of this.

INJURY IMPACT: It will be a major loss if middle linebacker E.J. Henderson can't play because of two dislocated toes on his left foot. David Herron, a second-year player from Michigan State, could start in Henderson's place or weak-side linebacker Ben Leber could be moved into the middle.

--Starting left defensive end Ray Edwards was sidelined against the Titans, impacting the team's depth on the line. Otis Grigsby and Brian Robison both had to play far more snaps than usual because of Edwards' absence. It's not certain if Edwards will return against the Saints.

--Wide receiver Sidney Rice played last Sunday despite a sprained knee but was extremely limited, meaning Bobby Wade saw extensive action. With the Vikings playing on turf in the Superdome, it will be interesting to see if Rice can do more work.