Vikes' Zimmer has surgery, won't face Dallas

Jim Trotter explains who could fill in for the Vikings if coach Mike Zimmer is unavailable because of eye surgery. (0:52)MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was expected to have emergency eye surgery Wednesday night, and his availability to coach Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys is uncertain, the team announced.

General manager Rick Spielman said in a statement Wednesday that the Vikings have a contingency plan if Zimmer is not able to coach the game. Spielman is expected to speak to reporters at some point Thursday morning.

Zimmer had surgery to repair a torn retina on his right eye Nov. 1, after he had scratched his eye during the Vikings' loss to the Chicago Bears…