The Minnesota Vikings are looking to make a statement versus the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL season opener. Unfortunately, it appears they may be shorthanded without defensive end Danielle Hunter.
Hunter has not practiced since mid-August due to an undisclosed injury. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, his status for Week 1 is doubtful:
#Vikings DE Danielle Hunter’s status for Sunday is very much in doubt, per me and @TomPelissero. If Hunter practices today, it will likely be limited. A situation to monitor.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2020
Hunter's inability to get any practice time in is a strong indicator that he could be sidelined for the opener, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Hunter isn’t practicing, per pool reporter @CourtneyRCronin. The #Vikings have remained optimistic about the timetable for his return, but it appears that won’t be in Week 1. Continuing to be cautious with their star pass rusher, who hasn’t practiced since Aug. 14. https://t.co/yguSxlbF9H
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 9, 2020
Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks has already acknowledged the prospect of Hunter having to sit out against the Packers, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press:
“A guy like Danielle he brings a whole other type of game in. It’s going to be hard to a replace a guy like that, but we have guys that also are hungry and want to step up too,” Kendricks said.
The departure of defensive end Everson Griffen in free agency had already let a rather notable void to fill up front. Regardless, Minnesota was looking forward to debuting their new edge rush duo of Hunter and Yannick Ngakoue following the latter's acquisition in recent weeks. Although this event may be delayed, they can take solace in the fact that the injury is not deemed to be too serious.
Hunter's absence during training camp opened the door for backup defensive ends like Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn Holmes, Eddie Yarbrough and D.J. Wonnum to see an increase in reps. It will be interesting to see which of the bunch is able to take advantage in the season opener.
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