The Vikings have placed defensive end Danielle Hunter on injured reserve, per a club announcement. To take his place on the roster, they’ve promoted kicker Chase McLaughlin from the practice squad. 
Thanks to the league’s modified IR rules for 2020, Hunter will only be required to sit out for three weeks before returning. It’s not clear if he’ll be ready to go by mid-October, however. All we know for now is that he’ll be out for Sunday’s opener against the Packers, plus the next two games against the Colts and Titans.
Hunter has been limited and out of practice with a rumored neck injury since August 16th. Fortunately, new addition Yannick Ngakoue is there to help keep the pressure on. He’ll be paired with Ifeadi Odenigbo, who will fill-in as the other starting bookend in Hunter’s absence.
The Vikings have four more years of club-friendly control over Hunter, thanks to the five-year, $72MM deal extension he inked in 2018. Now entering his age-26 season, Hunter has 54.5 career sacks to his credit.
It’s a big loss, But they will be OK. SKOL! BLOW PACK BLOW!
Going to get blown out. Still don’t have anyone to block Za’Darius Smith and now have to contend with Rashan Gary. Big trouble ahead for Minnesota.
No offense, but I don’t think you can consider Gary a legitimate threat until he proves he can actually produce at the professional level. For the time being, Minnesota should be more concerned about Preston Smith
Good thing Minnesota just traded for Yannick! Obviously, there’s no replacing Hunter. That said, Ngakoue and Odenigbo still form a capable duo on the defensive line. I’m still worried about the interior with the absence of Pierce and the inexperienced cornerback room, but at least the Vikings have a pair of outstanding safeties and an intelligent linebacker in Kendricks. Still, matchups against the Packers, Colts, and Titans aren’t exactly ideal contests to be missing your best player for
Bookend usually means OT. ZL always trying to get cute.