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Eye surgery to keep Zimmer from coaching Vikings vs. Cowboys

This Nov. 20, 2016 photo shows Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer standing on the field before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Minneapolis. Zimmer is having emergency eye surgery, about a month after he had an initial procedure to repair a torn retina. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 that Zimmer was having the operation and uncertain to recover in time for the team's game against Dallas on Thursday night. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King) This Nov. 20, 2016 photo shows Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer standing on the field before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Minneapolis. Zimmer is having emergency eye surgery, about a month after he had an initial procedure to repair a torn retina. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 that Zimmer was having the operation and uncertain to recover in time for the team's game against Dallas on Thursday night. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

By Associated Press December 1, 2016 1 min read

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer will miss Thursday night’s home game against Dallas following emergency surgery to repair a detached retina.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as the interim head coach against the Cowboys, a decision that Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said would be the least disruptive to the team. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and offensive line coach Tony Sparano have experience as NFL head coaches, but they’ll remain in their roles. Zimmer is the play-caller for the defense, a duty that will fall to defensive coordinator George Edwards.

This was the third procedure Zimmer has had over the past month. Spielman said Zimmer would stay at home to rest and not attend the game.

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