Elflein should be ready for start of 2018 season after successful ankle surgery
By Adam Patrick
The Minnesota Vikings center suffered a fractured ankle during the team’s NFC Championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.
As if coming up one game short of playing at home in the Super Bowl was not brutal enough for the Minnesota Vikings, the team also lost their talented young center to an ankle injury during last Sunday’s NFC Championship.
Midway through the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles, Vikings center Pat Elflein had to exit the game after fellow Minnesota offensive lineman Mike Remmers fell on the back of his ankle. The Vikings center did not return to the field for the remainder of the night and he was spotted leaving the stadium on Sunday with a walking boot on his left foot.
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It was later reported by the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson that Elflein suffered a fractured ankle during the NFC Championship and surgery would be necessary in order for the injury to properly heal. The Minnesota center had surgery on his ankle on Tuesday and it was reported to be a successful operation.
If all goes well, Elflein could be back on the field with his teammates for OTAs in the spring. Unless he suffers a major setback, the Vikings offensive lineman should have no problem being healthy enough to start the 2018 regular season.
In 2017, Elflein had himself an impressive rookie year with Minnesota. His performance played a big part in the Vikings’ offensive line seeing a tremendous improvement from what the unit did in 2016.
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For his efforts, Elflein was named to the 2017 All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers of America. Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman certainly struck gold when he snagged Elflein in the third round of the draft last year.