Danielle Hunter Out For Season

The worst case scenario for the Minnesota Vikings and their best defensive player, Danielle Hunter, has become reality. The 27-year-old defensive end left last night’s loss vs the Dallas Cowboys with a shoulder injury. This morning an MRI revealed a pectoral tear, which will keep him sidelined for the rest of 2021.

Hunter was hoping for a major contract extension after this season. This will throw a major wrench into those conversations.

The fear last night was that Danielle Hunter tore his pectoral muscle, an injury that was initially ruled a shoulder in game. The MRI he had this morning was to confirm that, which means he’s expected to miss the remainder of the season, per source.

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 1, 2021

What’s Next?

In hindsight, granting DE Stephen Weatherly’s request to a trade last week looks like a huge mistake. Zimmer, who’s now on the hotseat, will turn to DJ Wonnum at defensive end. The Vikings have to face Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert and Aaron Rodgers in three consecutive weeks and they’ll do it without Danielle Hunter.

Not much has gone right for this 3-4 football team over the last 24 hours but losing Hunter has to be the shot that hurts the most. The outlook is gloomy for the Minnesota Vikings after 8 weeks of the season. They still have time to turn things around but the road won’t be easy.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan