With one simple Tweet, Percy Harvin threw a scare into Vikings fans this evening. The standout receiver needed just 46 characters to deliver a bit ominous news: "Just found out I will need surgery on shoulder."
Harvin used a second Tweet 10 minutes later to soften the blow: "Recovery should be quick I will be ready for otas"
That's a reference to the Vikings' "Offseason Training Activities," the first of which will begin sometime in late May.
According to a source, Harvin's surgery will be minor in nature, an arthroscopic "clean up" procedure. It should not come anywhere close to jeopardizing Harvin's availability for the start of training camp.
At this stage of the game, that is a huge deal for the Vikings, who can ill afford to have another one of their stars on the shelf. With running back Adrian Peterson still recovering from major knee surgery and his timeline for a return to full health still uncertain, Harvin will likely be counted on as the focal point of the Vikings' offensive attack until further notice.
Last season, Harvin led the Vikings with 87 catches for 967 yards. In total, he had 1,312 yards from scrimmage on 139 offensive touches.
In the six games Peterson either didn't play (against Atlanta, Denver, Detroit and Chicago) or was unable to finish due to injury (Oakland, Washington), Harvin had 47 catches for 573 yards and six touchdowns, making the most of his heightened opportunity.
