Pat Elflein says he is probably ‘not going to be back’ for Vikings OTAs
By Adam Patrick
On Sunday, the young Minnesota Vikings center provided an update on the status of the broken ankle he suffered in last season’s NFC Championship.
Around a year ago at this time, Pat Elflein was preparing for Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp after getting selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
This year, Elflein is coming off one of the most impressive seasons the Vikings have seen from a rookie offensive lineman in a long time. Unfortunately, he’s currently recovering from a broken ankle too.
The young center suffered the injury during Minnesota’s forgettable loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 NFC Championship. Elflein had his ankle surgically repaired shortly after the loss and has been rehabbing ever since.
While his ankle’s healing process is progressing forward, it doesn’t appear to be quite ready enough for the Vikings’ center to participate in the team’s OTAs in May.
Minnesota Vikings
Elflein was in attendance at the Minnesota Football Honors ceremony at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday and he provided an update on the status of his ankle.
"“I’m not going to be back for OTAs probably. We’re just not rushing it. I’m just trying to get myself back in shape and get strong and be ready to go.I’ll probably start some footwork drills (then), but full contact, probably not.’’"
The Vikings have three OTA sessions this spring between May 22 and June 7. After these, Minnesota will hold a three day minicamp from June 12 to June 14.
Elflein was non-committal when asked about his chances to be ready for Vikings minicamp this year also, saying he’s, “taking it day by day.”
During the ceremony on Sunday, the young offensive lineman was named Minnesota’s 2017 Rookie of the Year.
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His injury is not too worrisome just yet. But if Elflein isn’t back to full strength by training camp this summer, the Vikings’ stress level would certainly see a big-time increase.