Vikings place John Sullivan on injured reserve

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan underwent back surgery Wednesday and has been placed on injured reserve, designated to return. Sullivan will be eligible to return to practice after 6 weeks and to games after 8 weeks.

The Vikings confirmed Sullivan’s surgery was a lumbar microdiscectomy, which is performed to relieve pain caused by a herniated disc.

Joe Berger replaces Sullivan in the middle of an offensive line that has been retooled this offseason and remains a primary concern going into Week 1. Sullivan does not count against the Vikings 53-man roster.

John Sullivan statement

"As a player you never want to miss time. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your absence, you feel guilty about not fulfilling your responsibility to your teammates, coaches, organization and fans by giving it your absolute best out on the field every Sunday.  While I'm incredibly disappointed that I'll be missing the first portion of the 2015 season, I have full faith in the roster that our coaches and front office have put together.  Joe Berger will step in and do a great job leading our offensive line, protecting the best young quarterback in football and opening up holes in the running game.  In the mean time, I promise I'll be doing everything I can to recover and I'll be ready as soon as humanly possible to return to the field and help the Vikings win their first Super Bowl Championship. Skol!"