The Minnesota Vikings have turned to a familiar face at punter, signing veteran Johnny Hekker to the practice squad as regular punter Brett Thorson deals with a hamstring injury. The club also added veteran running back Jaret Patterson to the practice squad as part of a series of roster moves announced Tuesday.
To make room on the practice squad, Minnesota released wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph and cornerback Bryce Phillips. The Vikings also waived defensive lineman Taki Taimani from reserve/injured.
Hekker was with the Vikings in training camp before losing out to Thorson.
Few punters in NFL history bring a résumé as accomplished as Hekker’s. The 36-year-old earned Associated Press All-Pro honors in six consecutive seasons from 2013 through 2018 and was selected to four Pro Bowls. He spent 10 seasons with the Rams franchise and was part of the team that won Super Bowl LVI before later stops with Carolina and Tennessee.
In 27 career NFL games, Patterson has rushed for 503 yards and three touchdowns while adding 13 receptions.