Minnesota Vikings Sign Veteran Punter Johnny Hekker to Squad

The Minnesota Vikings have signed veteran punter Johnny Hekker to their practice squad as punter Brett Thorson is set to miss time with a hamstring injury. Hekker, 35, spent the offseason with Minnesota and played the 2025 season with Tennessee, averaging 46.8 yards per punt. A four-time AP first-team All-Pro, Hekker has appeared in 229 career games for the Rams, Panthers, and Titans while also completing 15-of-26 career passes for 193 yards and a touchdown.