National Football League

Minnesota Vikings DT Sharrif Floyd undergoes knee surgery

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd had knee surgery recently, making his status for future Minnesota Vikings games even more of a mystery.

Sharrif Floyd has yet to see the field on a regular basis for the Minnesota Vikings during the regular season and the wait to see him back in uniform may be a lot longer than some fans may have hoped for.

The team announced today during a presser with head coach Mike Zimmer that the defensive tackle has undergone surgery on his knee in order to remove some cartilage. Zimmer referred to the procedure as a ‘clean up’ but did not offer a timetable on the big man’s return.

However, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press confirmed that on Twitter:

However, that won’t stop Mike Zimmer from pushing forward and preparing for the Minnesota Vikings week 3 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Just like in previous games, the team will lean on a strong rotation of defensive bodies to fill in for the former first round pick until he can return to action.

Until then, Zimmer isn’t ready to let Floyd’s absence be a problem for the team.

#Vikings coach Mike Zimmer on Sharrif Floyd: “He’s played (25) plays this year. He hasn’t played, he’s kind of out of sight, out of mind’’

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 22, 2016

It’s been a bad year for knee issues for the Minnesota Vikings. With big injuries to star players like Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson, as well as lingering problems for offensive tackle Matt Kalil and others, Floyd gets added to the list of those with issues in that particular joint.

However, there is quite a bit of home when it comes to Sharrif Floyd.

Since this was just a cleanup procedure to remove some cartilage, his recovery time could be fast enough that he may be able see the field sooner than some fans expect. But, there is always the chance as well that further attention will be needed or the healing will take longer than expected.

Until then, the Minnesota Vikings defense will lean on Tom Johnson, Shamar Stephen, and others to hold down the position until he returns. With solid players like those to fill in during Floyd’s absence, it is best that the team take their time and allow the young defensive tackle to make a full recovery before returning to action.