NFL
Vikings' Birk undergoes surgery
By The Source
Aug 6, 2004

Mankato, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk underwent a hernia operation on Thursday and is expected to miss three-to-four weeks.

Birk, a six-year veteran, had the minor surgery to figure out the cause of a pelvic injury that caused him to miss three straight practices.

The 28-year-old Birk, who is a four-time Pro-Bowl selection, is expected to be in the lineup for Minnesota's season opener against Dallas on September 12.

In other news, the Vikings cut offensive lineman Lewis Kelly. Kelly was in the club's organization for four years, but his 2002-03 campaign was halted following the death of his wife who died from a rare blood disorder.