Danielle Hunter has aligned as a left edge on a team-high 391 of his 642 defensive snaps this season (60.9%), generating a league-high 56 pressures from such an alignment, including 19 under 2.5 seconds (most in NFL).

Dominant despite loss

Hunter logged seven tackles (six solo), with 3.0 sacks, during Houston's loss to the Titans on Sunday.

Analysis: Hunter had a dominant outing despite the loss as he recorded a season-high 3.0 sacks. The 30-year-old has now compiled 10.5 sacks on the campaign, marking the third straight season that he's racked up double-digit sacks and the sixth time total across his nine-year career.

Gets pair of sacks Monday

Hunter recorded three tackles (three solo) including 2.0 sacks and a pass defensed during Monday's 34-10 win at Dallas.

Analysis: Hunter had an even greater impact on the Texans' win in Week 11 than the box score would suggest, as he was able to turn the corner on right tackle Terence Steele time and time again Monday. He now has six sacks over his last six games and will look to keep up that pace in Week 12 versus the Titans.

Dominant in close win

Hunter recorded two tackles (two solo) for 2.0 sacks during Sunday's 23-20 win versus the Colts.

Analysis: One of Hunter's two sacks Sunday came late in the fourth quarter on a third down to give Houston's offense the ball inside of the two-minute warning with a lead. It was his third game in a row with a sack, and he'll look to extend his streak in Week 9 against the Jets.

Registers 1.5 sacks vs. Chicago

Hunter finished Sunday's 19-13 win over the Bears with five tackles (three solo), including 1.5 sacks.

Analysis: Hunter tallied his first sacks as a member of the Texans on Sunday. He split a sack with Will Anderson in the first quarter that forced the Bears to kick a field goal one play later, and Hunter had his own solo sack on Caleb Williams late in the fourth quarter that led to a turnover on downs two plays later. Hunter recorded double-digit sacks in five of the first eight seasons of his career in Minnesota, and he'll look to replicate that success in his new home in Houston. Hunter will face his…read more

Heading to Houston

Hunter is slated to sign a two-year deal with the Texans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, one of the top available free agents on the market will have $48 million guaranteed over the course of the two-year deal. Hunter spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Vikings, delivering double-digit sacks in five of them including a career-high 16.5 in 2023. He'll join a group of pass rushers in Houston that includes 2023 first-round pick Will Anderson and fellow offseason pickup Denico Autry.

Posts career highs

Hunter recorded 83 tackles (54 solo), 16.5 sacks, two passes defended and forced four fumbles during the 2023 season.

Analysis: Hunter earned a new one-year contract as training camp got underway after holding out during minicamp and he spent this past season proving he deserved it. The 29-year-old earned his fourth selection to the Pro Bowl team while logging career highs in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles. The LSU product is not under contract for next offseason and will be looking to get paid again. Considering his talent, he could be a candidate for the franchise tag, if he's unable to reach a long-term deal with…read more

Three tackles in loss

Hunter finished Sunday's 33-10 loss to the Packers with three tackles (one solo).

Analysis: Hunter played six snaps on special teams in addition to his 62 defensive snaps Sunday. He has 17 tackles (seven solo), including 2.0 sacks, since the Vikings' Week 13 bye. With one game left in the regular season, Hunter has set career highs in total tackles (77), sacks (15.5) and forced fumbles (four) over 16 games.

Good to go versus Detroit

Hunter (illness) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions.

Analysis: Hunter saw his practice participation increase over the course of the week, culminating in a full session Friday. He's been a key piece of the Vikings' pass rush and has registered a career-high 15.5 sacks over 14 games this season.

Upgrades to limited work

Hunter (illness) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: Hunter's illness seems to be getting better, as he's gone from recording a DNP on Wednesday to logging a limited practice session Thursday. The star edge rusher will likely carry an injury designation into Week 16's divisional matchup against the Lions unless he's able to practice in full Friday.

Slowed by illness

Hunter was estimated as a non-participant in practice Wednesday due to an illness.

Analysis: The veteran pass rusher has been as good as ever this season, ranking second in the league with a career-high 15.5 sacks through 14 contests. Hunter will look to recover from his ailment in time to suit up Sunday against Detroit.

Gets two sacks in loss

Hunter recorded five tackles (three solo), including two sacks, in Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss at Cincinnati.

Analysis: Hunter found his way into the sack column for the 11th time in 14 games this season Saturday, and he managed more than one sack for the fourth time this year. His 15.5 sacks so far in 2023 is already a career-high total with three games still left to play.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.