EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Chad Greenway has been the one constant for the Minnesota Vikings' defense over the years, the farm-raised linebacker answering the call for work every game for the past seven-plus seasons.
Greenway has played through ailments, such as a broken wrist last season, to appear in 114 straight games and make 88 consecutive starts, the second-longest active streak among NFL linebackers.
A broken left hand and a rib injury now threatens Greenway's streak. Minnesota's iron man isn't going to worry about the personal achievement of extending the streak in Sunday's game at New Orleans.
"No, I think it's more about can you help the team win," Greenway said of thinking of the streak. "That's really all."
Greenway is listed as questionable with the Vikings traveling to face the Saints. Coach Mike Zimmer said the decision on Greenway will come down to Sunday before the game.
"I don't know, we'll see more on Sunday," Zimmer said.
Greenway practiced in a limited capacity Friday.
Linebacker Brandon Watts (knee) and receiver Rodney Smith (hamstring) are questionable for Sunday's game. Watts was limited all week as he returned to practice for the first time in the regular season. Smith was a full participant in practice the past two days.
Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (shoulder), tackle Phil Loadholt (ankle) and tight end Kyle Rudolph (abdomen) were limited on Friday, but are listed as probable. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (groin), linebacker Michael Mauti (foot) and receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (chest) are probable after practicing fully on Friday.
Patterson was added to the injury report for the first time Thursday.
"It's just something that we found," Zimmer said of Patterson. "I think he was dealing with it a little bit, but we just happen to find it. It's not a big deal."
Greenway has been a fixture in the lineup since 2007 after recovering from knee surgery as a rookie. He never played in a regular-season game as a rookie after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his first preseason game.
Once he made the lineup, he didn't let his spot go. After playing through a broken wrist last year, Greenway was asked how he'll manage playing with a broken hand.
"I'm experienced," Greenway said. "It is what it is. Just not let that be anything that doesn't just allow me to get out there and play, and it's never going to be an excuse. Just go play football and just make it work."
New Orleans declared running back Mark Ingram (hand), starting linebacker David Hawthorne (ankle), safety Marcus Ball (hamstring) and fullback Erik Long (ankle) out for Sunday. Starting linebacker Curtis Lofton (shoulder) and starting center Jonathan Goodwin (elbow) are probable.
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