Vikings Elevate Johnny Hekker from Practice Squad

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - August 22: Minnesota Vikings punter Johnny Hekker, wearing the number 5 jersey, stands on the sidelines during a preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 22, 2026. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ahead of Sunday's match against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings have made just one practice squad elevation for the week. Given their performance in the first three weeks, this could be a pivotal decision. The Vikings elevated Hekker from the practice squad, meaning he will take on punting and holding responsibilities for the second consecutive week, as Brett Thorson recuperates from a hamstring injury.

It's worth mentioning that this marks Hekker's first elevation from the practice squad this season. Last week, he was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, but did not undergo an elevation. He still has two more elevations available after this one and will not be released after the game, unlike last week.

In last week's game against Tampa Bay, Hekker was called on eight times and performed impressively. He averaged 46.5 yards per punt, with a longest punt of 63 yards. Additionally, he placed two punts inside the 20-yard line and handled three field goal attempts and both extra points effectively. If Hekker had not succeeded, the outcome of the game could have been significantly different.

Not much has been disclosed about the severity of Thorson's injury. The team has not placed him on Injured Reserve (IR), but he has not practiced for two weeks. It is unclear whether the team is waiting until after the bye week to evaluate Thorson's condition or other factors. Nonetheless, Hekker's veteran presence provides a reliable option for the Vikings in situations like this. This may be the final roster move before Sunday's game, so any additional moves will be reported as soon as possible.