Vikings add P Johnny Hekker, RB Jaret Patterson to practice squad

With punter Brett Thorson set to miss some time with a hamstring injury, the Vikings have added a veteran punter to their practice squad. Minnesota announced the team has signed Johnny Hekker to the unit. Hekker, 35, spent the offseason program and training camp with Minnesota. He spent the 2025 season with Tennessee, averaging 46.8 yards per punt with a 40.3-yard net average.A four-time AP first-team All-Pro, Hekker has appeared in 229 career games for the Rams, Panthers, and Titans. A fake punt specialist, Hekker has also completed 15-of-26 career passes for 193 yards with a touchdown.The Vikings also signed running back Jaret Patterson to their practice squad and released receiver Trayvon Rudolph and cornerback Bryce Phillips from their practice squad.