Hamstrings have dominated the discourse following the Minnesota Vikings' 9-3 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. But the Vikings also lost a player to a hamstring injury, leading to a reunion on Tuesday.
Rookie punter Brett Thorson suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 2 victory, prompting Minnesota to sign veteran Johnny Hekker to the practice squad. The two punters competed for the job in camp, so Hekker brings familiarity not only to the punt team but also as a holder for Will Reichard.
The #Vikings are signing four-time Pro Bowl P Johnny Hekker, sources say. Hekker is back with the team after being released in August. pic.twitter.com/uDKZC5ueDJ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 22, 2026
Hekker, entering his 15th season, is a four-time All-Pro punter. He began his career with the
St. Louis Rams in 2012, spending his first two seasons as teammates with Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels, who played for the Rams in 2012 and 2013.
Thorson wasn't placed on injured reserve for his injury, though. Minnesota also signed running back Jaret Patterson to the practice squad and released receiver Trayvon Rudolph and cornerback Bryce Philips. The Vikings also waived defensive lineman Taki Taimani.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings sign veteran punter after injury to Brett Thorson
