Report: Vikings Expect Hunter’s Mysterious Neck Injury to Be Short Term

Earlier today, we finally got a little more information on Danielle Hunter’s mysterious injury that has kept him off the field for all of training camp. The news came in form of an “Injured Reserve” designation, meaning we wouldn’t see Hunter for at least 3 weeks. His supposed injury, or “tweak”, location (neck) was also leaked to ESPN Vikings beat reporter, Courtney Cronin.

But tonight, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport brings some good news. He reports that Hunter’s IR stint is expected to be short-lived, hopefully lasting just the mandatory 3 weeks.

From @NFLTotalAccess: #Vikings DE Danielle Hunter should be off IR shortly, possibly even after just three weeks, while there is optimism that #Bucs WR Mike Evans (hamstring) will be OK by Sunday. pic.twitter.com/6i1MNrv6mM

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2020

“My understanding is, he could conceivably be back on the field after those three weeks. Not considered a long-term injury. The Vikings do believe he will be on the field as he can, by the rules.”

Ian Rapaport – NFL Network (video above)

Every Vikings fan around the world hopes this is true and we get to see Danielle Hunter on the field much sooner, rather than later. Let me remind everyone, however, that this is the same team who told us Hunter’s injury was nothing more than a “tweak”. They had us believing he might even play this weekend! Clearly, they knew that wouldn’t be the case.

I’m not mad. If Zim and Co. think this kind of secrecy builds a competitive advantage, then I’m all for it. I’m just not buying anymore leaks or expectations out of TCO Performance Center, until I see them unfold for myself.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan