Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter will get a second opinion on his neck injury this week and a report suggests he could miss the remainder of the season as he remains on the team’s injured reserve list.
During his Friday press conference, head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed that Hunter had flown to New York to get the opinion despite being eligible to return this week.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported that Hunter is dealing with a cervical spine disc herniation which has kept him out through training camp and the first three weeks of the season.
Although the team initially described the injury as a tweak, it’s turned out to be much more serious. Per Cronin, the Vikings initially expected Hunter to be out 6-8 weeks due to the injury despite their public statements.
I know Zimmer classified Hunter's neck injury as a "tweak" back in Aug. but from my understanding, Vikings were expecting he could be out 6-8 weeks when he was put on IR Sept. 9. I've been told all along there's optimism of Hunter returning but still no word on when that could be https://t.co/rJP2ihKPvl
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) October 2, 2020
The Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson had a more grim diagnosis saying that it was suggested that Hunter sit out the rest of the 2020 season due to the injury.
Source said #Vikings DE Danielle Hunter went this week to Hospital for Special Surgery in New York (it's run by Giants team Dr Scott Rodeo) & there was a recommendation he not play again this year. We'll see if that ends up being the case. Mike Zimmer said he got "second opinion"
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) October 2, 2020
On Friday, Zimmer continued to remain coy with the injury, replying “I don’t know,” when asked if Hunter was dealing with a neck issue.
What we do know is that the Vikings miss Hunter’s presence along the defensive line. The Vikings rank 28th in the league with four sacks in their first three games but have also struggled to generate pressure against opposing quarterbacks. As a result, the Vikings have allowed a franchise-record 102 points in the first three games.
The Vikings will look to avoid their first 0-4 start since 2011 when they travel to Houston on Sunday.
