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Kevin O’Connell on Danielle Hunter’s return to Minnesota: ‘He’s a game-wrecker’

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Updated  September 18, 2024 7:51pm CDT
Minnesota Vikings
FOX 9

Kevin O'Connell calls Danielle Hunter 'a game-wrecker'

The Vikings host the Houston Texans on Sunday, which marks Danielle Hunter's return to Minnesota.

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings host the Houston Texans in a battle of 2-0 teams on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, and there will be a few reunions on both sides of the ball for both teams.

At least six players will be facing their former teams on Sunday. Most notably, Danielle Hunter is making his return to Minnesota after spending his first eight seasons with the Vikings. He became the fastest player in NFL history to collect at least 50 sacks in his first five seasons. He had a career-high 16.5 last year and has 1.5 sacks in two starts this year.

Vikings hosting Texans means reunions for several players

Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman and Shaq Griffin all played for the Houston Texans, while Danielle Hunter, Stefon Diggs and Kris Boyd are returning to Minnesota.

"If it wasn’t going to be here, I wanted him to find a great place to go play and continue what he did in 2023. I think he found a great home literally in his hometown," Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. "It’s the same guy that’s an absolute game-wrecker. Danielle has to be a major focal point in our game plan."

Not to be forgotten are Stefon Diggs and Kris Boyd, who are also making their returns to Minnesota. Diggs spent five seasons with the Vikings and is most known for being on the receiving end of the "Minneapolis Miracle." He was traded to the Buffalo Bills in the deal that got the Vikings Justin Jefferson. The Bills traded Diggs to the Texans this offseason.

"It’ll be great. Played against Diggs when he was with Buffalo. It’ll be the first time with Danielle. You also got Kris Boyd over there, it’s what happens in the NFL. This week probably more than most, just part of the league," safety Harrison Smith said.

Reunions for 3 current Vikings

Sunday also marks a reunion for current Vikings Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman and Shaq Griffin. Greenard spent his first four seasons with the Texans and had 12.5 sacks last year. He has one this season. Cashman spent the last two seasons with the Texans before signing with the Vikings this offseason. He had 13 tackles, a sack and three pass break-ups Sunday against the 49ers.

"I don’t know if you’d say more motivating. I think it brings out extra emotions, but I think when you make the game against a former team bigger than it needs to be, guys can go out there and try to play hero ball, trying to do too much. You don’t want to do that," Cashman said.

Greenard said he would be lying if he didn't have Sunday's game circled on the calendar after signing with the Vikings once the schedule was released.

"That’s the thing about it, that’s why it’s so fun. It’s guys I’ve been going against, we get to finally go in a real game, which is going to be all fun. Looking forward to the competition," Greenard said. "I ain’t going to sit here and lie and say I don’t have this game, like it’s not going to be a game I look forward to. Yeah, of course. Man, it’s going to be fun."

Justin Jefferson on track to play Sunday

Jefferson, after suffering a quad bruise in the win over the 49ers, was a full participant in the Vikings’ Wednesday walkthrough. O’Connell said they’ll get him work throughout the week of practice, and should be on track to play Sunday.

"If he can avoid any setbacks or things like that, we hope to have him," O’Connell said.

Jefferson was not on the field Wednesday in the portion of practice open to media, but he was a limited participant. Dallas Turner, Jordan Addison and Brian O'Neill did not practice. Addison was working on a side field with a trainer, and O'Neill was on an exercise bike. Ivan Pace Jr. Andrew Van Ginkel, Garrett Bradbury and Aaron Jones were all limited participants.