Anthony Barr comments on Danielle Hunter’s absence from Vikings OTAs
By Adam Patrick
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr recently shared his thoughts on Danielle Hunter not being in attendance for the team’s OTA practices this week.
Lately, whenever the Minnesota Vikings come up in the national conversation, the possible impact of the new additions to the team’s defense is usually brought up in the discussion.
Some wonder if the Vikings added enough talent on the defensive side of the ball this year to get back in the playoff hunt next season. However, most fail to factor in all of the returning defensive players Minnesota will have back on the field in 2021.
Anthony Barr is among those who missed a significant amount of time for the Vikings last season and his return is one that is expected to help the team’s defense get back to begin among the NFL’s best in 2021.
Anthony Barr has no problem with Danielle Hunter skipping Minnesota Vikings OTAs
Following Minnesota’s third OTA practice session of the week on Wednesday, Barr took some time to answer a few questions from the local Twin Cities media.
Unsurprisingly, the veteran linebacker was asked about Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter and his absence from the team’s OTAs this week. Barr didn’t seem to be bothered by Hunter not being in town.
"“I’ve spoken to [Hunter] a few times this offseason. He’s going about things the way he thinks he needs to and I support him 100 percent. He’s a friend, obviously [he’s] an incredible player, and we’d love to have him whenever he does decide that it’s time to show up and get back to work.I know he’s grinding. I know he’s working. He’s feeling great and we’ll accept him with open arms when he comes back.”"
Despite the majority of Minnesota’s roster being in attendance for this year’s OTA practices, these sessions are voluntary, so Hunter has every right to not take part.
Barr did end his answer about his teammate by saying “when he comes back,” so it sounds like the linebacker isn’t expecting Hunter to suit up for any team other than the Vikings next season.
Minnesota’s top defensive end has a little more time until the team’s mandatory minicamp takes place on June 15. If Hunter decides to skip that too, then the Vikings can fine him more than $90,000.
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With skipping a day of training camp now coming with a mandatory fine of $50,000, this situation will likely be taken care of by then. For Minnesota though, the sooner they can get Hunter back on the field with his teammates the better.