The Viking Age
FanSided

Vikings DT Sharrif Floyd: Career could end early from nerve issue

By Dominique Clare

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Sharrif Floyd, who plays defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings faces uncertainty about playing football due to complications after having knee surgery last fall.

News broke today that Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd has nerve issue in his knee. This injury may shorten his career.

Sources told USA Today Sports the following.

"“The nerve that controls Floyd’s quadriceps was disrupted during surgery in September to clean up the meniscus in his right knee, and nearly six months later, the quad still isn’t firing.”"

The former first round pick missed almost all of the 2016 season because of his knee injury. The Vikings organization is looking forward to having Floyd back on the field in 2017. Because of this news, the Vikings will be left hoping for the best and planning for the worst.

Minnesota fell victim to Teddy Bridgewater’s knee injury for what looks like will be 2 seasons. The team can only hope this will not be a similar situation with Sharrif Floyd. Despite this news, Floyd’s agent Brian Mackler sounds confident Sharrif will make a recovery. He told this to USA TODAY Sports.

More from The Viking Age

"“Sharrif is rehabbing, has seen some of the best doctors in the country, will continue to rehab and hopefully, this will heal sooner than later.”"

If Floyd can rehab and continue to heal, the Minnesota Vikings will not look bad for deciding to exercise his 5th year option which pays him almost 7 million in 2017.  It is hard to have quality depth in the NFL when players take up salary and do not play for 2 years.

What if Floyd can’t return?

If Floyd is unable to get through this injury, the Minnesota Vikings will be forced to start Tom Johnson. Tom stepped in for Sharrif last season. He actually did a great job filling in. He recently was mentioned in an article as one of the most improved defenders in 2016.  The Vikings organization has shown they have faith in Johnson. He can get the job done in the event Floyd can’t return.

Next: Vikings add three more players to their offseason roster

Regardless, the Vikings must pick up some depth in the NFL Draft. If they do not they could end up in an unfortunate situation if Floyd does not play again. After missing 15 games in 2016 and 4 games in 2015, additional depth will not hurt. Hopefully Floyd heals fully and is ready for the season opener.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News