Vikings Elevated P Johnny Hekker

The Minnesota Vikings have officially elevated veteran punter Johnny Hekker from the practice squad for Week 4. The 36-year-old specialist initially signed a one-year contract with the franchise for the 2026 season before being released following training camp and subsequently rejoining the team's practice squad.

Hekker entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent with the Rams and has also played for the Panthers and Titans. During the 2025 season with Tennessee, he played in all 17 games, recording 3,653 punt yards across 78 attempts while landing 22 punts inside the 20-yard line.