Vikings FB Naufahu Tahi expects to return to lineup

Tahi returning: Fullback Naufahu Tahi said his benching last week against the Cowboys was a one-time deal because of the Vikings' need for three tight ends against a 3-4 defense.

Tahi, who played in 35 of the Vikings' 36 games before Sunday, expects to be back in the lineup against the Packers.

"It was something that we had been thinking about last year in the playoff game," said Tahi, referring to the Vikings' 34-3 win over Dallas in an NFC divisional playoff. "It was a better matchup as far as scheming and matchups. I talked to coaches to make sure I understood it wasn't anything I did."

The Vikings are hoping to keep quarterback Brett Favre upright with polished backfield blocking, something Tahi says will only improve as the season progresses.

The Jets flustered the Vikings with delayed blitzes on Monday Night Football two weeks ago, giving the Vikings what Tahi calls "unscouted looks."

The Vikings can employ blocking from...