Anthony Barr Won't Return For Final Two Games

The rookie campaign of Minnesota Vikings' linebacker Anthony Barr is officially over.

At his press conference today, head coach Mike Zimmer said that Barr found out yesterday that he needed a procedure on his ailing knee and will miss the final two games of the season.

Barr had played his way into the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year in the early portion of the season, but had a few off games prior to his injury. He has not played since the Vikings' 31-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers on 30 November.

Barr ends his rookie season with four sacks, three passes defended, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown that won the Vikings' game in Tampa Bay, as it led to a 19-13 overtime victory over the Buccaneers.

According to numerous sources on the Twitter, Barr has undergone multiple MRIs over the past couple of weeks, and that they found one in the most recent one that needed to be fixed. By all accounts, it will be a relatively minor procedure and should not prevent him from being ready for next season.

It's a tough break for the promising rookie linebacker, but he has given every indication thus far that he can really be a cornerstone for Mike Zimmer and company to build their defense around going forward.