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MPR News Staff

Vikings: Zimmer won't coach Thursday game

Minnesota Vikings v San Francisco 49ers
Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during pregame warmups prior to their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in this September 14, 2015 file photo.
Thearon W. Henderson | Getty Images 2015

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Updated 1 p.m. | Posted 10:22 a.m.

Minnesota Head Coach Mike Zimmer's emergency eye surgery Wednesday night will keep him out of Thursday's NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys.

"We are taking it one day at a time. We want to get through tonight's game and then tomorrow we will reassess where we're at," Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said in a statement Thursday morning.

Zimmer reportedly suffered a scratch to one eye during a game against the Chicago Bears on Halloween and underwent surgery for a torn retina the next day. The 60-year-old head coach missed a post-game press conference but was back on the field for a game against the Lions the next weekend.

"Last night, I did meet with all the coaches, I met with the players at the team meeting, so everybody understands the situation," Spielman told reporters. "They're ready and prepared because Coach Zimmer coached them all week. "

The team is closely watching Zimmer's recovery, he added.

Spielman also said Mike Priefer, the Vikings' special teams coordinator, will fill in as interim head coach in Zimmer's absence.

In 2014, the team disciplined Priefer after investigating allegations by then-punter Chris Kluwe that Priefer had made anti-gay slurs and taunts.