Vikings coach Zimmer on Hunter’s absence, joint practices with Denver, and more

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer met with reporters on Wednesday, prior to taking the field with his team for another day of Organized Team Activities.

Entering his 8th year in charge, Zimmer hopes to take advantage of this trend: making the playoffs in all odd-numbered years when in charge. Zimmer has led the Vikings to the postseason in 2015, 2017, 2019, and hopes that trend continues here in 2021.

***Click the video box above to watch Zimmer’s news conference from Wednesday, June 2***

The Vikings have another two weeks of OTAs before a mandatory minicamp June 15-17.

Players absent for Wednesday’s voluntary session: DE Danielle Hunter, LB Chazz Surratt, CB Jeff Gladney, and CB Patrick Peterson. A source tells KSTP that Peterson is in Arizona on a family matter and will be back in town next week.

Hunter is giving up on a $100K bonus for attending offseason workouts. He reportedly is seeking a pay raise. Zimmer said, "We’ll just see when minicamp shows up," whether Hunter is expected anytime soon. With minicamp mandatory, Hunter would face fines for not showing up.

LT Christian Darrisaw was present, but sat out practice with a minor injury.