#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
An injury issue that has lingered for the Minnesota Vikings could give the Green Bay Packers a big break during Sunday’s season opener at U.S. Bank Stadium.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter is still dealing with an undisclosed injury and is now in danger of missing Week 1 against the Packers.
Hunter hasn’t practiced for the Vikings since Aug. 14.
A Pro Bowler each of the last two years, Hunter is one of the NFL’s best edge rushers. Between 2018 and 2019, Hunter produced 29 sacks, 41 quarterback hits, 36 tackles for losses and three forced fumbles.
Hunter’s injury issue could be the break the Packers need, especially considering the team’s own injury concerns at right tackle. Billy Turner could miss Week 1 due to a knee injury, and Rick Wagner missed a big chunk of training camp with an elbow injury.
Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks said Hunter would be “hard to replace” for Mike Zimmer’s defense, possibly foreshadowing his absence on Sunday.
#Vikings LB Eric Kendricks, asked on Danielle Hunter, who hasn’t practiced since Aug. 14, entering Sunday “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"
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 9, 2020
The Packers and Vikings will both provide official injury reports for the first time in 2020 on Wednesday, potentially providing some clarity on the future injury designations for both Hunter and Turner.
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