Vikings Make Several Roster Moves Ahead of Buccaneers Game

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 22: Ahead of their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Minnesota Vikings have made several roster adjustments. First, they signed punter Johnny Hekker to the 53-man roster. Previously on the practice squad, Hekker will now handle punting and holding duties due to Brett Thorson's hamstring injury.

In order to accommodate Hekker, offensive lineman Nick Samac was placed on injured reserve, which will keep him out of the next four games. Samac had been claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers after the team's final cuts and had been inactive for the Vikings' first two games. Additionally, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and safety Tavierre Thomas were elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.

This is Van Noy's third time being elevated this season, and if the team wants him to play, they will need to sign him to the 53-man roster, as he can only be elevated three times per season. Safety Thomas made his first elevation of the season. Furthermore, linebacker Ivan Pace did not travel with the team to Tampa due to a personal issue and has been listed as questionable for tomorrow's game.

The Vikings' situation could open up a chance for rookie Jake Golday to see defensive action if Pace is unable to play. Those are the final roster moves expected from the Vikings ahead of their Sunday game against the Buccaneers.