Report: Vikings' Hunter undergoing season-ending surgery on herniated disc

Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher Danielle Hunter will undergo surgery to clean up a herniated disc, knocking him out for the remainder of the season, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Hunter didn't suit up this season after being placed on the injured reserve in September. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer alluded to the veteran receiving a second opinion earlier in October.

That second opinion resulted in the 25-year-old getting a recommendation to sit out the year, according to Chris Tomasson of St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Hunter has been one of the NFC's top pass-rushers over the last few seasons, recording 29 sacks since 2018. He's also notched 67 tackles for a loss since entering the NFL in 2015.

Minnesota may also be facing a major decision with Hunter in the offseason, as Rapoport hints the talented defensive end could be seeking a new deal that will make him the NFL's highest-paid defender, adding that a trade is possible. Hunter signed a five-year, $72-million extension in 2018 with an average annual salary of $14.4 million.

The Vikings already dealt one pass-rusher, sending Yannick Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.

The Vikings are 1-5 and last in the NFC North.

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