PHILADELPHIA -- Minnesota Vikings starting center Pat Elflein left Sunday's 38-7 NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on a cart because of an ankle injury. He was ruled out.
Elflein was hurt while trying to pass protect on a play in the third quarter. The rookie out of Ohio State had become a key cog on the Vikings' offensive line.
With Elflein out, starting right guard Joe Berger shifted to center and Jeremiah Sirles slid in at right guard. The Vikings trailed 31-7 at the time.
Elflein's promising rookie season ended with the Vikings down big in the second half. He was a third-round pick out of Ohio State last year.
Minnesota was dealing with a host of injuries in the contest. Starting safety Andrew Sendejo also left in the third quarter because of a calf injury. His return was doubtful, and he wasn't on the field the following series after he was injured in the third quarter.
Starting cornerback Xavier Rhodes also suffered a toe injury against the Eagles. He did return.