Minnesota Vikings C John Sullivan to Miss Eight Weeks
Austin Belisle
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If the Vikings weren’t concerned about starting center John Sullivan earlier this week, they should be now. According to the team’s official website, Sullivan underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy on Wednesday and was placed on the Injured Reserve/Designated for Return list. The injury and subsequent move to the IR means Sullivan can begin practicing after six weeks and playing after eight weeks.
Sullivan, who hadn’t practiced since August 18 because of back spasms, will miss at least half of the 2015 season, making him the second major loss to the Vikings’ starting offensive line. He joins Phil Loadholt on the sideline, leaving Teddy Bridgewater and the offense with a completely revamped group of players up front.
In the eight-year veteran’s place, Joe Berger looks to be the next-best option at center. He signed a two-year deal with the Vikings this offseason after starting nine games at right guard in 2014, and has the skill-set to rotate at any of the three interior line positions.
When asked Tuesday about Berger’s increased role, offensive coordinator Norv Turner shared nothing but praise for the 32-year-old out of Michigan Tech:
[quote_center]”Joe [Berger] has had an outstanding camp. He’s played guard, he’s played center, he’s kind of a leader of that group right now while we’re getting Sully ready to go. He’s a valuable guy to us, that’s why we wanted to have him back. I think he will do well if he has to go.”[/quote_center]
Sullivan’s loss could prove to be a major blow to this offense — given the shuffling and insertion of new players into the starting lineup, the offensive line has to be the biggest question mark facing this team heading into the 2015 season. Matt Kalil is returning from two knee surgeries, Brandon Fusco is transitioning from right to left guard, and the right side of the line is anchored by newcomers in Mike Harris and rookie T.J. Clemmings.
As Turner said, Berger may become the leader of this unit for the first eight weeks of the season, and he could very well make the most of his suddenly-crucial role to the team. Monday can’t get here soon enough.
Sullivan does not count against the 53-man roster limit, leaving the Vikings shorthanded before Monday night’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. Jabari Price, currently suspended, will return to the team after Week Two, making it unlikely the Vikings sign another lineman in Sullivan’s absence.