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National Football League roundup

[May 23, 2017] May 22 (The Sports Xchange) - Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer will miss OTAs to take a "few weeks" away from the team after undergoing an eighth eye surgery last week.

General manager Rick Spielman announced Monday that Zimmer will take the time to focus on his health while organized team activities begin this week.

Zimmer, 60, has undergone eight procedures since scratching his right eye in a game against the Chicago Bears on Oct. 31. He plans to remain in contact with his assistants throughout OTAs and the coaches will send him practice videos to review every day.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed tight end O.J. Howard, the team's first-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Howard, the 19th overall pick out Alabama, signed a four-year rookie contract with a fifth-year club option. Terms of the deal were not released but it is projected to be worth $11.2 million with about $6.2 million to sign, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Howard, 22, was the first of six players chosen by Tampa Bay in last month's draft.

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The Bucs also officially announced the signing of free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who agreed to a deal on Friday worth a reported $3 million that includes incentives to take the base salary higher. He is expected to back up Jameis Winston.

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The Chicago Bears are considering moving versatile Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kyle Long for the third straight season.

The Bears may shift Long to left guard -- a position he hasn't played since college -- and flip veteran Josh Sitton to right guard, sources told the Chicago Tribune. In 2015, the Bears moved Long to right tackle but then moved him back to right guard.

Long, 28, is still rehabbing a right ankle injury suffered Nov. 13 against Tampa Bay. Sitton started his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers at right guard. ))

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