Vikings Not Declaring Rebuild; DE Hunter Has Neck Surgery

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have emerged from their bye week down two starting defensive ends, after a salary-dump trade of Yannick Ngakoue and a season-ending surgery for Danielle Hunter.

Team leaders have so far declined to declare this a rebuilding year, despite the series of setbacks.

Hunter's operation to repair a herniated disk in his neck went as planned. He was hurt in practice at the beginning of training camp.

Now the Vikings will take on a decidedly developmental look at defensive end over the next 10 weeks. Ifeadi Odenigbo is the most accomplished player left.

The Minnesota Vikings will visit the Green Bay Packers this Sunday at Lambeau Field for a Noon kickoff on FOX.