Player Card

Fantasy Player Profile Danielle Hunter

  • Danielle Hunter
  • LB #99
  • Danielle
    Hunter
  • AActive
  • Manager: FA
  •  
vs. : # vs opposing LB - FPA
Bye Week13Rank18% Rostered-% Change-WK 12 Pts12.50WK 13 Pts-
2023 Fantasy Stats
   Fantasy
WkOppResultsPts
1TB
Loss, 17-20
8.50
2@PHI
Loss, 28-34
12.50
3LAC
Loss, 24-28
7.50
4@CAR
Win, 21-13
3.50
5KC
Loss, 20-27
3.50
6@CHI
Win, 19-13
11.50
7SF
Win, 22-17
4.00
8@GB
Win, 24-10
9.00
9@ATL
Win, 31-28
7.00
10NO
Win, 27-19
4.00
11@DEN
Loss, 20-21
4.50
12CHI
Loss, 10-12
12.50
13Bye  0.00
14@LV
Sun 1:05 pmGet Tickets
0.00
15@CIN
Sat 10:00 amGet Tickets
0.00
16DET
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
0.00
17GB
Sun 5:20 pmGet Tickets
0.00
18@DET
TBDGet Tickets
0.00
2023 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1TB,
L 17-20
41---8.50
2@PHI,
L 28-34
53---12.50
3LAC,
L 24-28
31-1-7.50
4@CAR,
W 21-13
3----3.50
5KC,
L 20-27
11---3.50
6@CHI,
W 19-13
62---11.50
7SF,
W 22-17
21---4.00
8@GB,
W 24-10
31-2-9.00
9@ATL,
W 31-28
5----7.00
10NO,
W 27-19
21---4.00
11@DEN,
L 20-21
21---4.50
12CHI,
L 10-12
61.5-1-12.50
13Bye-----0.00
14@LV,
Sun 1:05 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
15@CIN,
Sat 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
16DET,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
17GB,
Sun 5:20 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
18@DET,
TBDGet Tickets
-----0.00
  • 18.50
  • 212.50
  • 37.50
  • 43.50
  • 53.50
  • 611.50
  • 74.00
  • 89.00
  • 97.00
  • 104.00
  • 114.50
  • 1212.50
  • 13
Fantasy Points
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
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  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13 Bye
  14. 14
  15. 15
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  17. 17
  18. 18

News

  • Has 1.5 sacks in loss

    Hunter had nine total tackles, 1.5 sacks and three QB hits in Monday's loss to Chicago.

    Analysis: Hunter has 13.5 sacks this season but is also contributing elsewhere with a career-high 5.0 tackles per game (for a full season) and two passes defensed.

    Published: Tue, Nov 28 at 11:00am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records nine stops in win

    Hunter racked up nine tackles (five solo), including one for loss, in Sunday's 31-28 Week 9 victory versus the Falcons.

    Analysis: Hunter's tackle total was a season high and ranked second on the Vikings behind Jordan Hicks. That helped the veteran post another strong IDP performance despite the fact that he didn't record a sack for just the second time through nine games this season. Hunter leads the NFL with 10 sacks on the campaign.

    Published: Mon, Nov 6 at 7:52pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Picks up another sack in MNF win

    Hunter recorded two tackles (two solo) and one sack in the Vikings' Week 7 win over the 49ers Monday night.

    Analysis: Turning 29 years old later this month, Hunter is up to a league-leading nine sacks on the year and has at least one in six of seven appearances to start the season. Hunter also leads the NFL with 12 tackles for loss. His name has come up in potential trade talks if the Vikings decide to be sellers at the deadline next week.

    Published: Tue, Oct 24 at 7:35pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Another two sacks in win

    Hunter seven total tackles, including two sacks, and a pass defensed in Sunday's win at Chicago.

    Analysis: Hunter has eight sacks in six games as he continues to be among the league's best pass rushers when healthy. He's also doubling his rate of tackles to 5.2 per game, up from 2.7 per game last season.

    Published: Mon, Oct 16 at 2:37pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets another sack Sunday

    Hunter recorded four tackles (three solo), a sack and a forced fumble in Sunday's 28-24 loss versus the Chargers.

    Analysis: Hunter continued his lightning-fast start to the 2023 season in Week 3, tallying his fifth sack of the young campaign. He should see plenty more opportunities to rush the passer in Week 4 at Carolina.

    Published: Tue, Sep 26 at 5:11pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sacks Hurts thrice

    Hunter had eight tackles (five solo), including three sacks, in Thursday's 34-28 loss to Philadelphia.

    Analysis: Minnesota's pass rush dominated early, and Hunter ultimately accounted for three of the team's four sacks of Jalen Hurts. Unfortunately for Hunter and his teammates, they had no answer for an Eagles running game that racked up 259 yards and three touchdowns. With four sacks through two games, Hunter could challenge his career high of 14.5 sacks, which he reached in both 2018 and 2019.

    Published: Fri, Sep 15 at 9:23am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Get sack in season opener

    Hunter had a sack, two tackles for a loss, a pass defensed and seven total tackles in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.

    Analysis: Hunter missed the team's minicamp workouts amid a contract dispute, but he's healthy and motivated after agreeing to a one-year deal before training camp began. Injuries are always a concern, however -- Hunter missed 2020 with a neck issue and was limited to seven appearances during the 2021 campaign due to a pectoral injury -- but at least in Week 1, the veteran returned to the form that saw him post 10.5 sacks last season.

    Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 12:49pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets new one-year deal

    Hunter and the Vikings agreed Sunday on a one-year deal worth up to $20 million, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report.

    Analysis: Minnesota made Hunter available for trade earlier in the summer but wasn't able to find a suitor willing to meet its asking price. Hunter, who was set to enter the 2023 season on a $4.9 million salary coming off a 10.5-sack season, held out of the Vikings' mandatory minicamp due to dissatisfaction with his contract, but he reported back to the team for the start of training camp. The 28-year-old has now been rewarded with a salary more commensurate with his production, as he'll now be…read more

    Published: Sun, Jul 30 at 6:23am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ends current holdout

    Hunter has reported to training camp, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Hunter had been holding out during the team's offseason program and missed minicamp due to feeling he's earned a bump in pay. The three-time Pro Bowler is currently making $4.9 million, which is below market value for his recent production. Seifert also adds that Hunter is not expected to be a full participant at practice right away, and he still may be holding out for a better deal before he's a full go during training camp.

    Published: Tue, Jul 25 at 10:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Staging minicamp holdout

    Hunter intends to skip Minnesota's mandatory minicamp, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Hunter will be subjected to a total of just under $100,000 in fines if he misses the entire three-day minicamp. The standout pass rusher led the Vikings with 10.5 sacks last season and, on his current contract, is due only $4.9 million for the 2023 campaign. Holding out of minicamp is an attempt to regain negotiation leverage by the three-time Pro Bowler, and it remains to be seen whether he'd threaten to carry over his absence to the regular season.

    Published: Mon, Jun 12 at 9:01am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Unlikely to be at offseason program

    Hunter is not expected to attend the start of the Vikings' voluntary offseason program, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Hunter is coming off of a 10.5-sack season in 2022, potentially feeling like he's due for a pay increase. The defensive lineman is due to make $4.9 million in 2023, which is far below market value for the production he had last season. It's unclear how long the three-time Pro Bowler could hold out for, but it's certainly a negotiation process to keep an eye on.

    Published: Mon, Apr 17 at 7:21am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Solid bounce back in 2022

    Hunter racked up 65 tackles (46 solo), including 10.5 sacks, and three passes defended while playing all 17 games in the 2022 regular season.

    Analysis: Hunter returned to play every game this season after he was limited to just seven appearances in 2021 due to a season-ending pectoral injury. The 28-year-old also finished with double-digit sacks for the first time since 2019 after being paired up with fellow veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith this season. While this pairing did not result in the most productive overall pass rush for Minnesota, they both finished with 10 or more sacks in 2022. Hunter will now enter the final stretch of his…read more

    Published: Thu, Jan 26 at 1:04pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Tallies seven stops, two sacks

    Hunter recorded seven tackles (five solo), including two sacks, and a forced fumble in Saturday's 27-24 win over the Giants.

    Analysis: Hunter's pass-rushing skills were on full display this past weekend versus New York, as the veteran linebacker jarred the ball loose on one of the two sacks he registered in the game. With a New Year's Day matchup against the Packers up next, Hunter figures to continue serving as one of Minnesota's key defensive contributors in Week 17.

    Published: Mon, Dec 26 at 2:40pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs 1.5 sacks in win

    Hunter recorded five tackles (two solo) and 1.5 sacks during Saturday's 39-36 overtime win over the Colts.

    Analysis: Hunter, who entered Saturday's contest versus Indianapolis with a questionable tag due to a neck issue, ultimately played a season-high 73 defensive snaps and surpassed eight sacks on the campaign. The veteran pass rusher should continue playing a prominent role on Minnesota's defense when the team hosts the Giants next weekend.

    Published: Mon, Dec 19 at 7:05am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Cleared Saturday

    Hunter (neck) is good to go for Saturday's game against the Colts.

    Analysis: Hunter drew a questionable tag due to a neck issue, but the expectation during the week was that he would ultimately be cleared. Thus, barring any setbacks, look for him to take on his usual workload at weakside linebacker opposide Za'Darius Smith.

    Published: Sat, Dec 17 at 8:47am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Should play Saturday

    Hunter (neck) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Colts, but head coach Kevin O'Connell feels good about his chances to play, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

    Analysis: It's unclear when Hunter suffered the injury, but he did play a season-low 66 percent of the team's defensive snaps in Sunday's loss to the Lions. His ability to take the field would be good news for Minnesota, but if he is ultimately ruled out, Patrick Jones would likely find himself with increased opportunities against Indianapolis.

    Published: Thu, Dec 15 at 12:23pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Good to go for Week 14

    Hunter doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Lions, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Hunter returned to practice Friday as a full participant after missing back-to-back sessions to begin Week 14 prep due to an illness. The veteran pass rusher has yet to miss a game this season, totaling 48 tackles, seven sacks and three pass defenses across 12 appearances.

    Published: Fri, Dec 9 at 2:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Doesn't practice Wednesday

    Hunter didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness.

    Analysis: Hunter, along with four of his Minnesota teammates, was held out of Wednesday's session due to an illness. Considering the 28-year-old suited up and played 67 defensive snaps in the Vikings' Week 13 win over the Jets, it would be somewhat surprising if Hunter were to miss his first game of the season this weekend versus Detroit. He'll have two more practices to ramp up to full speed before the team would have to tag him with an injury designation.

    Published: Wed, Dec 7 at 2:17pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Two sacks in comeback win

    Hunter seven tackles (four solo), including two sacks, during Sunday's 20-17 victory over the Commanders.

    Analysis: Hunter logged his second sack of the game as he brought down quarterback Taylor Heinicke for a crucial nine-yard loss on Washington's second-to-last drive, helping to seal the Vikings' comeback win in the fourth quarter. The 28-year-old also logged season highs in both tackles and sacks in this contest. Hunter has now recorded 37 tackles (27 solo), five sacks and two passes defended through eight games in 2022, and he'll look to affect star quarterback Josh Allen this coming Sunday against…read more

    Published: Mon, Nov 7 at 8:51pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records another sack

    Hunter notched six tackles (five solo) and one sack during Sunday's 24-16 win over the Dolphins.

    Analysis: After a slow start to the season, Hunter has picked up his production over the last two games, totaling 12 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and four QB hurries. The Vikings have a bye in Week 7, so Hunter will look to maintain his strong play against the Cardinals in Week 8.

    Published: Tue, Oct 18 at 8:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets second sack

    Hunter had six total tackles, a sack and two tackles for a loss in Sunday's win over Chicago.

    Analysis: Hunter has just two sacks in five games and eight QB hurries, compared to four sacks and 18 QB hurries through five games last season, according to Pro Football Focus. As long as Hunter is healthy he should be an impact pass rusher, but he's been a step behind the pace he maintained last year before he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury.

    Published: Mon, Oct 10 at 3:05pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Back-to-back games with sack

    Hunter registered six tackles (four solo) and one sack during Monday's 24-7 loss to the Eagles.

    Analysis: Hunter has started the season with a sack in back-to-back games, but he was one of the lone bright spots for the Vikings on Monday. The 2015 third-round pick recorded exactly 14.5 sacks in consecutive seasons before sitting out the 2020 campaign due to a neck injury and appearing in only seven games due to a pectoral injury last year. If he can stay healthy, he figures to be near the top of the league in sacks by the end of the year.

    Published: Wed, Sep 21 at 9:00am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records sack in season debut

    Hunter had a sack, two quarterback hurries and three total tackles in Sunday's win over Green Bay.

    Analysis: After back-to-back campaigns with at least 14 sacks, Hunter missed the 2020 season with a neck injury and played only seven games last year due to a pectoral injury. It was a good sign to see him return to his prior form and be a big factor in the pass rush. His health could be key to Minnesota's season.

    Published: Mon, Sep 12 at 12:10pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Says he's healthy heading into 2022

    Hunter (pectoral) said he's healthy following Tuesday's workout and claimed he could've returned last year if the Vikings had made the playoffs, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

    Analysis: After back-to-back campaigns with at least 14 sacks, Hunter played only seven games last year due to a pectoral injury. There were talks of the Vikings potentially moving on from the talented pass rusher after his injury-plagued campaign, but Minnesota has elected to hold onto their 2015 third-round pick to see if he can get back on track in 2022.

    Published: Tue, May 17 at 11:58am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sticks with Minnesota

    Hunter (pectoral) will stick with the Vikings after his $18 million roster bonus became fully guaranteed Sunday, Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reports.

    Analysis: At the beginning of March, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team would "talk through the possibilities" of keeping Hunter on the roster, which suggested the team would explore trading the Pro-Bowl pass rusher. However, Minnesota has opted to hold onto the 27-year-old and hope he can continue being a dominant force in new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell's 3-4 front. The 2015 third-round pick only played seven games last year after back-to-back campaigns with at least 14…read more

    Published: Mon, Mar 21 at 1:35pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Reinstated from reserve/COVID-19

    Hunter (pectoral) was reinstated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday and shifted back to injured reserve, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

    Analysis: Hunter was moved to the COVID-19 list Dec. 14, but he will now return to the team, though he'll remain on IR for the rest of the season. The defensive end will continue rehabbing his pectoral injury and try and be ready for the beginning of the 2022 season.

    Published: Tue, Dec 21 at 4:04pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Moves to COVID list

    Hunter has shifted from injured reserve to the Vikings' reserve/COVID-19 list, Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reports.

    Analysis: Hunter was placed on the IR in early-November after suffering a torn pectoral muscle. So, his season is still over, and he will revert back to IR once he can clear the league's COVID protocols.

    Published: Tue, Dec 14 at 4:59pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Shifts to injured reserve

    Hunter (pectoral) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

    Analysis: Hunter was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, and he's now officially on injured reserve. Rookie D.J. Wonnum is likely to move into a starting role in the wake of Hunter's injury.

    Published: Tue, Nov 2 at 2:13pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Done for season

    Hunter will miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.

    Analysis: Losing Hunter, who has logged 38 tackles and six sacks in seven games this season, is a big blow to the Vikings' pass rush and overall defense, with the star DE now headed to IR. As a result, D.J. Wonnum is likely to take over Hunter's starting defensive spot opposite Everson Griffen.

    Published: Mon, Nov 1 at 3:13pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Torn pec feared

    Hunter may have torn his pectoral muscle during Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: The results of an MRI will confirm the severity of Hunter's injury, but it currently looks like a season-ending issue is likely. The injury was initially deemed a shoulder issue during Sunday's contest. If the premier pass rusher, who has tallied six sacks through seven appearances this season, is indeed out for the year, it will be a brutal blow for Minnesota's defense.

    Published: Mon, Nov 1 at 8:45am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Evening ends early

    Hunter (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

    Analysis: Hunter was initially deemed questionable to return, but the Vikings decided to hold him out for the rest of the night during halftime. He will have a week to rest and recover before the Vikings' Week 9 matchup with the Ravens.

    Published: Sun, Oct 31 at 7:15pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leaves with shoulder issue

    Hunter is questionable to return to Sunday night's game against the Cowboys with a shoulder injury.

    Analysis: The Vikings will be without their best pass rusher at least temporarily. D.J. Wonnum should pick up extra snaps in the meantime.

    Published: Sun, Oct 31 at 6:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Nabs sack against Browns

    Hunter notched seven tackles (five solo) and one sack during Sunday's loss to the Browns.

    Analysis: Hunter has five sacks through the first four weeks of the season, solidifying him as a high-end IDP option as per usual. The star defensive end will look to continue his success versus Jared Goff and the Lions in Week 5.

    Published: Wed, Oct 6 at 6:02am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Three sacks in loss

    Hunter had three sacks and seven total tackles in Sunday's loss at Arizona.

    Analysis: Hunter has four sacks in two games as he looks back to his 2019 form after missing last season due to neck surgery.

    Published: Mon, Sep 20 at 12:01pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Has sack in return to action

    Hunter had six total tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss and a QB hurry in Sunday's overtime loss at Cincinnati.

    Analysis: Hunter played on 60 of the defense's 69 snaps, as he wasn't eased into action after missing all of last season due to neck surgery. Hunter was back to his pre-injury form and looks to have a chance to be among the league leaders in sacks again.

    Published: Mon, Sep 13 at 10:28am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ready for Week 1

    Hunter (neck) has been at full strength this preseason and is set to start at left defensive end Week 1 at Cincinnati, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "He's stronger, to my knowledge. He looks a little bigger," Vikings left tackle Rashod Hill said. "He's got some moves that I've never seen on the left before."

    Analysis: Hunter missed last season after surgery to repair a cervical herniated disc. He fully participated in training camp, and there were not reports of any issues. He amassed more than 70 tackles and 14.5 sacks in each of 2018 and 2019, giving him the upside to finish as the top defensive line IDP if he's back to his prior form.

    Published: Tue, Sep 7 at 1:34pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Takes first-team reps at practice

    Hunter (neck) took first-team reps at right and left defensive end in Wednesday's first practice of training camp and didn't appear to be limited, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

    Analysis: Hunter missed the 2020 season due to a herniated disc that required surgery in October. He didn't participate in spring workouts, but looks back to full speed for training camp. Hunter's return to full health could have a huge impact on the defense as his ability to rush the quarterback (29 sacks across 2018 and 2019) was sorely missed.

    Published: Thu, Jul 29 at 7:45am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ready for camp

    Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Wednesday that Hunter (neck) looked "fantastic" after reporting to minicamp and should be ready for training camp, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

    Analysis: The 26-year-old quickly joined the team after agreeing to a reworked deal with the Vikings at the start of the week, and he's apparently healthy again after missing the 2020 season due to a herniated disc that required surgery in October. While he didn't participate in minicamp workouts, Hunter's presence in the building along with Zimmer's acknowledgement that the defensive end was "obviously healthy" following a physical suggests that Hunter won't face any restrictions for training camp.…read more

    Published: Wed, Jun 16 at 8:27pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Gets reworked deal

    Hunter (neck) agreed to a reworked contract with the Vikings on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: This deal allows Hunter to receive more money on the front end of the contract, and Minnesota expects the defensive end to report to camp following the reworked contract. He hasn't taken the field since 2019 after a herniated disc caused him to miss the entire 2020 campaign.

    Published: Mon, Jun 14 at 9:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Absent from this week's practices

    Hunter (neck) hasn't been in attendance for OTAs this week, the Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "I've spoken to [Hunter] a few times this offseason,'' teammate Anthony Barr said. "He's going about things the way he thinks he needs to and I support him 100 percent. He's a friend and obviously an incredible player, and we'd love to have him whenever he does decide it's time to show up and get back to work."

    Analysis: Hunter's status for the 2021 season remains a mystery. He missed last season with herniated disc that ultimately required surgery in October. In March, NFL Network reported that Hunter wanted to be the highest-paid defender in the league or be traded. Hunter has three years left on a deal that averages $14.4 million per year. The Vikings have given out little information on Hunter's injury or recovery, and it's not clear if his current absence is related to his contract situation, given that…read more

    Published: Wed, May 26 at 11:54pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Surgery deemed success

    Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed Wednesday that Hunter (neck) underwent successful surgery to repair a herniated disc, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Zimmer noted that while Hunter won't be back this season, "he should be back and playing football again," according to Cronin. Coming off back-to-back 14.5-sack seasons, Hunter ultimately wasn't able to play in 2020 after the neck injury cropped up shortly before the season and proved to be more serious than the Vikings initially believed. He'll hope to make enough progress in his rehab over the next few months to gain full clearance for OTAs or training camp in 2021.

    Published: Wed, Oct 28 at 11:24am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Bound for season-ending surgery

    Hunter (neck) will undergo season-ending surgery this week to clean up a herniated disc, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: The news of Hunter's procedure comes just hours after the Vikings dealt their other stalwart defensive end, Yannick Ngakoue, to the Ravens. Ngakoue and Hunter were never able to form the fearsome pass-rushing duo the Vikings envisioned, as Hunter was moved to injured reserve shortly before the start of the season due to the neck injury. With the Vikings sitting at 1-5 and Hunter having failed to make much progress in his recovery thus far, the 25-year-old will go under the knife in hopes of…read more

    Published: Thu, Oct 22 at 9:17am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Still not practicing

    Hunter (neck) is not present at Thursday's practice, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

    Analysis: The Vikings still haven't designated Hunter for a return from IR, so at this point it looks like the star defensive end won't play until after the team's Week 7 bye. A lingering neck injury has prevented Hunter from yet taking the field this season.

    Published: Thu, Oct 15 at 2:48pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Getting second opinion on neck

    Hunter (neck) is in New York to get a second opinion on his cervical spine disc herniation, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Hunter remains on IR, but the Vikings continue to hold out hope that his injury isn't season-ending. That said, he definitely won't be suiting up against the Texans in Week 4.

    Published: Fri, Oct 2 at 11:56am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Unlikely for Week 4

    Hunter is regaining strength as he recovers from what's believed to be a herniated disc, but the defensive end isn't expected to be activated from injured reserve when first eligible to return for the Vikings' Week 4 matchup with the Texans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Minnesota isn't viewing the neck issue as a potential season-ending injury for Hunter, but the team likely won't have a clear idea of when he might be ready to play again until he's cleared to practice in some capacity. The Vikings have sorely missed the 25-year-old's presence on the edge, as Minnesota has recorded only two sacks through two games, tied for the third-lowest mark in the league. The lack of a consistent pass rush has left an inexperienced secondary vulnerable, with opposing…read more

    Published: Sun, Sep 27 at 5:58am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • GM hopes for quick return

    Hunter (neck) worked on a side field with strength coach Mark Uyeyama during the open portion of Thursday's practice, the Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. General Manager Rick Spielman told Sirius XM Radio he's hopeful Hunter will return from injured reserve in three weeks.

    Analysis: Hunter can return from IR on Sept. 28, but his injury status remains uncertain. The Vikings have not given details about his injury, as ESPN reported it was a neck injury. It's a good sign he's able to do some work, but it remains unclear if Hunter's injury is a short-term or more serious issue.

    Published: Thu, Sep 10 at 11:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Headed to IR

    The Vikings placed Hunter on injured reserve Wednesday. He's dealing with a neck injury, ESPN reports.

    Analysis: Given the new IR rules in place this season, Hunter could rejoin his team as early as Week 4. Still, his absence for the first three games of 2020 is a major blow for the Vikings defense. Hunter has tallied 14.5 sacks in both of the past two seasons.

    Published: Wed, Sep 9 at 1:34pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Looking iffy for Week 1

    Hunter's (undisclosed) status for Sunday's season opener against the Packers is "in doubt," Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Hunter has been held out of practices and scrimmages for nearly three weeks due to an unknown injury. The potential exists for Hunter to practice Wednesday, but it would be in no more than a limited fashion. The Vikings recently brought in Yannick Ngakoue to provide another pass rusher to the defense, but the team may have to wait to deploy the duo until Week 2 or later.

    Published: Wed, Sep 9 at 11:28am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Expected to return to practice

    Hunter (undisclosed) is expected to return to practice this week ahead of a Week 1 matchup against Green Bay, head coach Mike Zimmer told Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com.

    Analysis: Hunter missed 12 consecutive practices with what head coach Mike Zimmer has called "a little tweak" before returning in a limited capacity (he was just seen stretching) last week. While the Vikings may just be taking a cautious approach with his return, his status for the start of the season remains uncertain.

    Published: Mon, Sep 7 at 6:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Held out of practice

    Hunter (undisclosed) did not practice Thursday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

    Analysis: Coach Mike Zimmer said that the team is taking a "cautious" approach to Hunter's recovery from an undisclosed injury. The star defensive end doesn't yet appear in any danger of missing Sept. 13's season opener against the Packers, but his practice status will be worth monitoring.

    Published: Thu, Sep 3 at 8:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Does stretching at practice

    Hunter (undisclosed) participated in stretching drills at practice Monday, but he was held out of individual drills, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

    Analysis: Hunter had missed the last 12 practices with what head coach Mike Zimmer has called "a little tweak" without getting into any specifics. It's a good sign that Hunter is finally making progress, but his status for Week 1 remains uncertain.

    Published: Mon, Aug 31 at 10:54pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sits out scrimmage

    Hunter (undisclosed) did not participate in Friday's dress rehearsal scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

    Analysis: While head coach Mike Zimmer has said that Hunter is improving, the media has not seen him participating in a practice since early in camp. With two weeks before the team's first game, Hunter's availability for the start of the regular season remains uncertain.

    Published: Fri, Aug 28 at 10:13pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Making progress in recovery

    Head coach Mike Zimmer said Hunter (undisclosed) is "getting a little better every day," Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

    Analysis: It's still unclear what exactly Hunter is dealing with, and Zimmer added trainer Eric Sugarman will have the final say in when Hunter returns to the field. With three weeks until the Vikings play the Packers in the season opener, Hunter still has plenty of time to get right and avoid missing his first games since 2015. The 25-year-old defensive end recorded 70 tackles and 14.5 sacks over 16 games last season.

    Published: Sun, Aug 23 at 12:05pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Missing practice

    Hunter (undisclosed) remains out of practice, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

    Analysis: Per Tomasson, coach Mike Zimmer has called the injury that has kept the Vikings' star pass rusher out of five straight practices, a "little tweak." For now, we'll consider Hunter day-to-day.

    Published: Thu, Aug 20 at 2:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Another explosive campaign

    Hunter, who recorded 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks over two playoff games, finished the 2019 season with 70 tackles, 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles over 16 regular-season games.

    Analysis: Hunter tied for fourth in the league in 2019 as he generated exactly 14.5 sacks for a second straight season, and his postseason performance was an added bonus. That was enough to get him named to a second straight Pro Bowl. The 25-year-old plays an every-down role as well, as he averaged 56.1 defensive snaps per contest, and he'll continue to do so in 2020 on the second season of his five-year, $72 million contract.

    Published: Tue, Jan 14 at 1:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ties career sack mark

    Hunter recorded five tackles (three solo) and a sack in Monday's 23-10 loss to Green Bay.

    Analysis: Hunter has virtually equaled his career-high numbers from last season in one fewer game. He needs just three tackles and half a sack against the Bears in Week 17 to set new marks in each category.

    Published: Tue, Dec 24 at 1:21pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs sack, forces two fumbles

    Hunter recorded five tackles (four solo), a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in Sunday's win over the Chargers.

    Analysis: Hunter has been an absolute force over the last three weeks, notching five sacks. He needs just 1.5 sacks over the final two regular-season games to set a new career high.

    Published: Tue, Dec 17 at 4:25pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dominant in divisional win

    Hunter notched seven tackles (six solo) and three sacks during Sunday's 20-7 win over the Lions.

    Analysis: Hunter now has 12.5 sacks across 13 games, putting him in striking range of last season's career-best mark of 14.5 sacks. The 25-year-old's destructive Week 14 performance makes him the youngest player in NFL history to accumulate 50 career sacks, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. Hunter will look to keep up his considerable momentum against the Chargers in Week 15.

    Published: Mon, Dec 9 at 8:39am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sack in Seattle

    Hunter recorded five tackles (two solo) and a sack across 69 defensive snaps in Monday's loss to the Seahawks.

    Analysis: Hunter's sack count on the season now stands at 9.5, which leads the Vikings. He'll now shift his focus to the divisional matchup against the Lions, against whom he recorded a sack earlier this season.

    Published: Tue, Dec 3 at 7:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sack streak continues

    Hunter notched three tackles (two solo) and 0.5 sacks during Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Chiefs.

    Analysis: Hunter has now made an impact in the sack column in eight of nine games this season. The 24-year-old will look to continue his destructive momentum Week 10 versus Dallas.

    Published: Thu, Nov 7 at 8:40am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com

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Danielle Hunter
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