Vikings' Zimmer to miss OTAs due to eye surgery, should return 'in a few weeks'

The Minnesota Vikings announced Monday that head coach Mike Zimmer will leave the team for "a few weeks" in order to facilitate his recovery from an eighth eye surgery last week.

"As the Vikings begin OTA practices, Coach Zimmer will be taking time away from the team to dedicate to recovering from eye surgery and restoring his health. We all agree Mike's health is the priority and we believe rest and recovery are in his best interest for the long term. We anticipate Mike back on the field in a few weeks." said general manager Rick Spielman in a statement.

The Vikings' OTAs start May 23 and conclude June 8, so Zimmer could presumably return for the last portion of the workouts. However, it seems more likely the head coach will stay away until the start of mandatory minicamp on June 13.

Zimmer's eight surgeries have taken place in the last seven months, with the first coming on Oct. 31 of last year. He said he hopes this will be the last procedure he'll need, but admitted he's thought before he was done going under the knife.