Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter has not practiced since August 14.
Hunters absence has been concerning for some, considering how vital he is to Minnesota’s defense. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer recently cleared the air about the situation with reporters.
Zimmer said Hunter is out due to “a little tweak,” according to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. The coach added that the defensive end is “getting a little better every day.”
Hunter’s return to practice is up to athletic trainer Eric Sugarman, Zimmer said, via Cronin.
Hunter is coming off two consecutive seasons with 14.5 sacks. In 2019, he became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 50 sacks.
Now that defensive end Everson Griffen has gone elsewhere, Hunter is the most solidified starter at defensive end. The defensive end opposite to him will be a less experienced player than before.
The Vikings will need another big year from him in order to keep the pass rush where it has been in past seasons.
