Report: Vikings' Hughes recovering from broken vertebra in neck

A broken neck vertebra kept Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes from suiting up in the playoffs, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Ben Goessling reports.

Hughes went on injured reserve before Wild Card Weekend. He appeared on the injury report after Week 17 with a neck injury.

A former first-round pick out of UCF, Hughes made played in 14 games this season, including three starts. His role could increase going forward given the uncertain futures of impending free agent Trae Waynes and costly veteran Xavier Rhodes.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said at his season-ending news conference that he expects Hughes to make a full recovery. He didn't specify the nature of the injury.

Hughes notched two interceptions and broke up 12 passes over his first two seasons. He played in only six games as a rookie due to a torn ACL.