Wonnum totaled 38 tackles, including four sacks, while playing 16 games during the 2022 regular season.
Wonnum took a step back in both playing time and production following his career-best campaign in 2021. The third-year linebacker shifted into a rotational role behind Minnesota's top pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith. Wonnum still played at least 43 percent of defensive snaps in every game outside of the 2022 season opener, though he totaled just one-half sack over the final 10 contests, including the Vikings' wild-card loss to the Giants. Wonnum will look to post a more productive campaign during the final season of his rookie contract in 2023.
... See More... See Less
Vikings' D.J. Wonnum: Doesn't practice with illness
Rotowire
Wonnum was listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice due to an illness.
Wonnum didn't appear on the Vikings' initial practice report Wednesday, but his availability for Sunday's game against the Vikings is now up in the air after he came down with an unspecified illness. The third-year defensive end has recorded 14 tackles and 2.5 sacks while playing in a rotational role behind Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith for much of the season.
... See More... See Less
Vikings' D.J. Wonnum: Gets sack in season opener
Rotowire
Wonnum had a sack and two total tackles in Sunday's win over Green Bay.
Wonnum played on 21 of the defense's 61 snaps. Wonnum moved into a starting role after Danielle Hunter's season-ending pectoral injury Week 8 last year and responded with 33 tackles and seven sacks over his final 10 games. He'll begin this season in a reserve role behind Hunter and newcomer Za'Darius Smith as an edge rusher in the Vikings' new 3-4 defense, but Wonnum could find his way onto the field more since neither Hunter nor Smith were able to stay healthy in 2021.
... See More... See Less
Vikings' D.J. Wonnum: Shows improvement in 2021
Rotowire
Wonnum tallied 47 tackles (29 solo), eight sacks, a forced fumble and four pass defenses in 2021.
Wonnum failed to top three tackles in any of his first seven appearances of the season, but he finished the year on a strong note with 20 tackles (15 solo), five sacks and a pass defense across the final four games. The 2020 fourth-rounder will attempt to build on his production during his third NFL season in 2022.
... See More... See Less
Vikings' D.J. Wonnum: Moves up depth chart
Rotowire
Wonnum is likely to move into a starting role in the wake of Danielle Hunter's season-ending pectoral injury, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official website reports.
Wonnum has had a rotational presence on the Vikings' defensive line all season, but Hunter's absence the rest of the way is expected to afford the 24-year-old a starting role moving forward. The 2020 fourth-round selection has 14 tackles (six solo) and a sack on the season playing 66 percent of the defensive snaps. He'll look to take advantage of the added responsibility starting Week 9 against the Ravens.
... See More... See Less
Vikings' D.J. Wonnum: Ready to face Bucs
Rotowire
Wonnum (ankle) is not listed on Friday's injury report, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Wonnum missed last weekend's game against the Jaguars, but it looks like he'll be back in action versus Tampa Bay. The rookie fourth-round pick has three sacks on the season.
