Sharrif Floyd Injury: Updates on Vikings DT's Knee, Ankle and Return

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd suffered injuries to his knee and ankle that forced him out against the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He's since missed Weeks 8 and 9 but is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Floyd Active vs. Raiders

Sunday, Nov. 15

The Vikings did not list Floyd among their inactives.

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Latest on Floyd's Practice Status

Wednesday, Nov. 11

Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported Floyd participated in the team's morning practice walkthrough. 

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Zimmer Comments on Floyd's Injury

Monday, Oct. 26

"Floyd has a little piece of torn cartilage in his ankle, [Vikings head coach Mike] Zimmer said," per ESPN's Ben Goessling. "[Zimmer has] heard all kinds of ranges on how long [Floyd] could be out."

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Floyd's Injury Hampers Development 

Now in his third NFL season, Floyd's development has been one reason for Minnesota's solid start. A defensive tackle who provides an explosive first step, Floyd is capable of penetrating his way into the backfield quickly and effectively. 

In the Week 6 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus called Floyd "the clear dominant pass-rusher" for the Vikings after he recorded four hurries and one sack. 

His attitude, like his play, is passionate as he looks to assume more of a leadership role in the Vikings defense. Floyd spoke to Paul Allen of KFAN (via Craig Peters of Vikings.com) about what he and the defense have to do going forward:

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We can communicate a lot better. Once we communicate on the little things, as far as what’s going on inside of a play, and also understanding where our linebackers are on certain plays, because depending where they are, it (affects) what type of blocks we get out in front of, so understanding the defense more. This will be a good year to learn football instead of trying to learn the playbook. We know that already.

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The learning and the maturing will have to be put aside until Floyd recovers. There's a chance that Tom Johnson could take over the starting duties in Floyd's absence, and this is where Minnesota's second level of help on the defensive line will come in handy. 

Johnson had 6.5 sacks last season despite starting just two games, and he has two so far this season. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.