Mike Zimmer has returned to coaching, expected to travel to Jacksonville, Vikings announce

Zimmer, 60, missed his first NFL game Thursday because of emergency eye surgery.

By Andrew Krammer

December 5, 2016 — 9:47am

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has resumed coaching and is expected to travel to Jacksonville for Sunday’s game, the team announced Monday.

Zimmer, the 60-year-old coach who missed his first NFL game Thursday due to emergency eye surgery, will address reporters Wednesday during his regularly scheduled press conference.

He’s expected to join the team flight on the 1,475-mile trip to Jacksonville.

Zimmer is back to work three days after he reportedly underwent a fourth operation Friday after a follow-up appointment. The coach first had surgery on Nov. 1 after saying he scratched his eye in the Oct. 31 loss in Chicago.

The Vikings (6-6) kick off against the Jaguars (2-10) on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT.

Matt Vensel has been at the Star Tribune since 2014 after covering the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun for six years. He is a Pittsburgh native and a Penn State grad. Follow him at @mattvensel.

Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.

Andrew Krammer joined the Star Tribune in July 2016 after three years covering the Vikings for 1500 ESPN. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Follow him at @Andrew_Krammer.

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