Sharrif Floyd has small cartilage tear in ankle

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- In addition to the possibility of playing without center John Sullivan for the rest of the season, the Minnesota Vikings are dealing with another important absence on the other line of scrimmage.

Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd had his left foot in a walking boot in the locker room on Monday, and coach Mike Zimmer said Floyd tore a small piece of cartilage in his ankle. Zimmer said he didn't know exactly how long Floyd would be out, adding, "I've heard all kinds of ranges."

Floyd has a sack and nine combined tackles in five games so far this season, and the 2013 first-round pick has looked like a disruptive force at times for a Vikings defense that's allowed the…