EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Chad Greenway, whose 89 consecutive games played leads all NFL linebackers, missed practice again Thursday and is likely to be listed as questionable to doubtful for the Minnesota Vikings’ game at the New Orleans Saints on Sunday with a broken hand and a rib injury.

Look for Greenway to try and play. He played all of last season with a fractured wrist.

If he is sidelined, Gerald Hodges, a second-year player who has filled a small but effective role in the nickel package, could get the start.

“We’re continuing to work linebackers just like we have. Sort of the next man up theory,” said Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards. “We’re going to use combinations and use their skillsets within our sub-packages to the best of our ability. We’ve been working Gerald, we’ve been working a combination of all of these guys. Mike (Mauti) has been working in there. We’re working a combination of guys and we will fit them in our packages and get the best matchups that we can.”

–RT Phil Loadholt was limited in Thursday’s practice because of an ankle injury. Coach Mike Zimmer said Loadholt “is tough” and should be OK to play. Loadholt has missed only one game in his six NFL seasons.

–DT Sharrif Floyd (shoulder) was limited in Thursday’s practice after sitting out Wednesday. Barring a setback, he’ll play. In the Vikings’ defensive line rotation, he can still be effective playing about 55 percent of the snaps.

–LB Brandon Watts (knee) has returned to practice after missing about a month. The rookie is a promising special teams player and potential future starter on the weak side.

–TE Kyle Rudolph (abdomen) was limited again in Thursday’s practice. He’s expected to play. With no Adrian Peterson, the Vikings cannot afford to also lose another safety valve for quarterback Matt Cassel.

–WR Cordarrelle Patterson (chest) was added to the injury report on Thursday. He was limited in practice and is still expected to play.