Get Well Soon: Mike Zimmer Will Not Coach Vikings in Game Against Dallas Cowboys

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The list of Minnesota Vikings to miss Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys now includes head coach Mike Zimmer. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a press conference that after undergoing emergency eye surgery Wednesday night, Zimmer will not be ready to coach during the week 13 matchup.

The general manage announced that Mike Priefer will fill in as the interim head coach. "We have the utmost confidence in Mike Priefer that he will be able to handle the interim responsibilities," Spielman said.

"We are taking it one day at a time. We want to get through tonight's game and then tomorrow we will reassess where we're at."

Zimmer's surgery Wednesday was his third this season. All three surgeries were attempts to repair a detached retina in Zimmer's eye, a problem that began during the team's matchup against the Chicago Bears October 31. Zimmer said his doctors believed he risked permanent blindness if he didn't have it repaired.

"As hard headed as he is, and as tough minded as he is, we had some talks about what is important in life and what isn't," Spielman said in reference to Zimmer. "We have to look out for your long-term health, and we have to look out for what's best for you."

Spielman said Pat Shurmur, the interim offensive coordinator, will continue focusing on the offense, and Defensive Coordinator George Edwards will continue to handle the defense.

"They are ready and prepared because Coach Zimmer coached them all week," Spielman said. "We had a normal week of preparation heading into tonight’s game. It’s unfortunate that this incident happened last night before today’s game, but I have the utmost confidence in the coaches and our players that they will be prepared and ready to go."

Image via Matthew Deery, Flickr, used under Creative Commons