Minnesota Vikings

Vikings center Pat Elflein ruled out with shoulder injury

Published Dec. 29, 2017 2:06 p.m. ET

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer says rookie center Pat Elflein will miss Sunday's game against Chicago because of a shoulder injury, his second missed start of the season.

Zimmer made the announcement Friday during a press conference. Veteran Joe Berger will move from right guard to take Elflein's place, making his first start of the season at center. Berger started all 16 games there for the Vikings during the 2015 season.

Zimmer wouldn't reveal who would fill in for Berger. The Vikings have depth in rookie Danny Isidora, but could opt to move right tackle Mike Remmers to guard and insert Rashod Hill at right tackle.

If the Vikings (12-3) win against the Bears (5-10) on Sunday, they will clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs.