Vikings elevate punter Johnny Hekker to active roster amid roster shuffle
On Oct. 3, the Minnesota Vikings elevated punter Johnny Hekker to the active roster, the team’s transaction log on ESPN shows. The move comes as Minnesota has shuffled several players between the practice squad and active roster in recent days. Hekker had been on the practice squad after a series of late-September transactions. The elevation restores a veteran presence at the specialist position.
Hekker was first added to the practice squad in late September and was signed from the practice squad to the active roster on Sept. 26, the team’s transaction log on ESPN shows. On Sept. 29, the team released Hekker from the active roster, and on Sept. 30, he was re-signed to the practice squad. The club then elevated him again on Oct. 3 as it managed short-term roster needs. Those moves reflect frequent short-term churn at the bottom of the roster.
The roster activity around Hekker coincided with other practice-squad additions. On Oct. 1, the Vikings signed cornerback Natrone Brooks to the practice squad, and on Sept. 30, the club added running backs Audric Estime and Devin Neal, outside linebacker Keshawn Banks and guard Josh Priebe to the practice squad, the team’s transaction log on ESPN shows. On Sept. 29, Minnesota promoted quarterback Max Brosmer and linebacker Kyle Van Noy from the practice squad to the active roster and placed tight end Josh Oliver on injured reserve. The club continued to adjust its practice-squad personnel through late September and early October.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Elevating Johnny Hekker gives the Vikings a proven veteran at punter as they navigate injuries and short-term needs. The sequence of promotions, releases and practice-squad signings over the past week underscores the club’s willingness to churn the bottom of the roster to address immediate depth, particularly on special teams and at skill positions. Maintaining flexibility with frequent transactions allows Minnesota to respond quickly to injuries and performance issues while integrating several younger additions signed in late September.