EAGAN, Minn. — For most of the Minnesota Vikings, a win against the Detroit Lions — and plenty of help — will be the only way they'll play another down after Sunday. For two players, however, the season has already been extended past this weekend.
Veteran edge rusher Danielle Hunter and long snapper Andrew DePaola have been selected to this year's Pro Bowl, which will be held in Orlando. It's the second consecutive Pro Bowl nod for DePaola and the fourth total selection for Hunter. Both players, who were also named starters, found out about the selections during practice Wednesday when Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell delivered the news in front of the whole team.
Hunter, who signed a one-year, $17 million guaranteed deal with the Vikings this past offseason, has 15.5 sacks (fifth-most in the NFL) and is tied with Las Vegas edge rusher Maxx Crosby for the most tackles for loss (21). DePaola is coming off his first All-Pro selection last season, and is one of the more consistent snappers in the league.
Vikings fullback C.J. Ham, tight end T.J. Hockenson, safety Josh Metellus, center Garrett Bradbury, left tackle Christian Darrisaw and safety Harrison Smith were also named alternates.
More Vikings could still be selected if players opt out of competing, are participating in the Super Bowl or suffer an injury prior to the Pro Bowl, which will feature a handful of skills competitions beginning Thursday, Feb. 1. Pro Bowl week will end with a 7-on-7 flag football game on Sunday, Feb. Feb. 4.
For a complete list of competitions, click here.
The Vikings are still alive for an NFC wild card spot, but they'll not only need a win Sunday over the NFC North champion Lions, but they'll also need the Chicago Bears to beat the Green Bay Packers, the Arizona Cardinals to beat the Seattle Seahawks and either the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints or the Carolina Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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