Vikings place Pro Bowl pass-rusher Danielle Hunter injured reserve

The Minnesota Vikings confirmed on Wednesday that the club has placed two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter on injured reserve. While the Vikings didn't explain the reasoning behind the decision, Courtney Cronin of ESPN reported that the 25-year-old is dealing with a neck injury. 

Per NFL rules for the season held amid the coronavirus pandemic, Hunter must remain on IR for at least three games. 

The Vikings made headlines in late August when the club traded with the Jacksonville Jaguars for wantaway pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Hunter and Ngakoue were to make for an intimidating one-two punch on the Minnesota defensive line. 

It's not yet known who will start in Hunter's place for Sunday's home game against division rivals the Green Bay Packers. Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn Holmes, and Eddie Yarbrough can all temporarily play the position, and Odenigbo tallied seven sacks with the Vikings during the 2019 campaign. 

Before Minnesota traded for Ngakoue, ESPN mentioned Odenigbo as a potential breakout candidate for the upcoming season: