The Vikings have lost another starting offensive lineman for at least half the season. According to a press release from the team, the Vikes have placed center John Sullivan on the injured reserve list with the designation to return. Sullivan, who underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy on Wednesday, won’t be eligible to return to the field for eight weeks.
Sullivan, a former sixth-round pick, has been a mainstay on the Vikings’ offensive line since 2009, starting all but three regular season games at center for the team over the last six years. It’s the second major hit Minnesota’s line has taken in recent weeks, as the team also placed starting right tackle Phil Loadholt on season-ending IR after Loadholt suffered a torn Achilles during the preseason.
With Sullivan out, Joe Berger appears to be the next man up at center for the Vikings. The veteran lineman signed a new two-year contract with Minnesota in March after starting nine games at right guard in 2014 for the club.
Here’s the full list of how teams around the league have used their IR-DTR spots so far.