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Is Vikings' Sharrif Floyd's career in jeopardy? Nerve damage in quad reportedly a big concern

Eric Edholm

The career of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd might be hanging in the balance, according to a USA Today report.

It states that Floyd is suffering from complications following knee surgery last fall that apparently caused nerve damage connected to his quadriceps. Floyd, 25, had his right meniscus cleaned up after playing in the first game of the season and remained on the roster until December, when the Vikings finally placed him on injured reserve.

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Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73) reportedly has nerve damage in his leg. (AP)
Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73) reportedly has nerve damage in his leg. (AP)

Now we might have a better idea why Floyd was unable to return to action after his breakout 2015 season. The former first-round pick appeared to be on the verge of stardom as a centerpiece on one of the league’s best defenses under head coach Mike Zimmer. Late last season, Zimmer openly expressed disappointment and frustration with the length of Floyd’s rehab, but the nerve damage report certainly could explain the slow recovery.

It’s now six months post-surgery, and Floyd’s quad muscle reportedly still isn’t operating as it should. Floyd’s agent, Brian Mackler, issued a statement to USA Today: “Sharrif is rehabbing, has seen some of the best doctors in the country, will continue to rehab and hopefully, this will heal sooner than later.”

This nebulous Instagram post last week seemed to indicate Floyd’s level of concern, asking God for “one last run” and vowing to “lay [his] soul on the line.”

My ???????? to the big guy #upabove we've been on this train ???? for so long, you have blessed me in more why's then I could've possibly imagine. For that I I'm truly thankful. You've been there when there was no one around, you've held me together when I thought I was at my edge, you've aloud me to play a game that kids dream about to this day. For that I continue to place my hands together ???????? I come to you tonight that same kid in 2006, not moved by greed, not moved by negativity, not moved in bad behavior. I'm down on one knee praying my road doesn't end here…. there are so many more lives to touch, so much more joy to spread. You've believed in me for to long to turn your back on me now. Don't let me go out this way. All I ask is for a fighting chance… this game means so much to me and the foundation is still being laid one stone ???? at a time. I'm hurting and I don't know how to say it aloud, I am truly humbled in your grace. Grant me one last run, I promise I'll lay my soul on the line. #humbleandhungry #215raisedme #begreat73 #savagelife #unlockthecage #notdoneyet #cametofartogiveup #watchmework #pleasedoubtme #level40training

A post shared by sharrif floyd (@humble_hungry_73) on Mar 23, 2017 at 9:51pm PDT

The NFL season is still many months away, but the news sounds ominous on Floyd’s health, barring a sudden change. That’s now two cornerstones of the franchise, former first-rounders Teddy Bridgewater and Floyd, whose careers might have gone off the rails quickly because of knee problems.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!

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