The life of an NFL lineman isn't easy, and the Minnesota Vikings' standout rookie center Pat Elflein is the latest example of that.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer announced Tuesday that Elflein, who suffered a left ankle injury in the third quarter of last Sunday's NFC championship game, is bound for surgery next Monday.
The Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports Elflein fractured his ankle:
The procedure is scheduled to be performed by Dr. Robert Anderson next Monday in Green Bay.
Before surgery is performed, the source said swelling needs to go down. If all goes well, the hope is Elflein will be ready for spring drills.
Elflein, a third-round pick in last year's draft, earned PFWA All-Rookie honors this season after appearing in 14 games.
