Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer could miss his team's clash with in-form Dallas Cowboys on Thursday after undergoing emergency eye surgery.
Zimmer had initial surgery last month to repair a torn retina having first experienced trouble with his vision a couple of days before the October 31 game at Chicago.
He then scratched his eye during the game and general manager Rick Spielman confirmed on Wednesday the 60-year-old would have an operation.
"His status for coaching tomorrow's game is uncertain. I have met with the coaches and players and we have a contingency plan in place if Mike is unable to coach against Dallas," he said in a statement.
Spielman said he has met with coaches and players to put a contingency plan in place in case Zimmer is unable to coach against the Cowboys.
If he is absent, the Vikings' task will be made even tougher against the 10-1 Cowboys.
Having started the season 5-0, Minnesota have lost five of their last six and are a game behind division-leading Detroit Lions in the NFC North.