Ahead of Sunday’s game at US Bank Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, the Minnesota Vikings only have one practice squad elevation for this week, but with what’s happened in the first three weeks, it could be a very important one.
The Vikings lifted punter Johnny Hekker from the practice squad, meaning he will handle punting and holding duties for the second straight week while Brett Thorson continues to deal with a hamstring injury. It’s important to note that this is Hekker’s first elevation from the practice squad this year. Before last week’s game against Tampa Bay, Hekker was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, not elevated, so he has two more elevations left after that and won’t have to be released after the game like last week.
In last week’s game, Hekker was called eight times and performed well, averaging 46.5 yards with a long of 63 and placing two punts inside the 20-yard line. He also, as far as I can tell, did a solid job of catching all three of Will Reichard’s field goal attempts and both extra points. If he didn’t. . .well, obviously we’ll find out.
There’s not much word yet on the severity of Thorson’s injury. The team hasn’t gone as far as placing him on IR, but he hasn’t practiced in two weeks. I’m not sure if the team is waiting until after the bye week to get him back out there or what’s going on, but at least they have a solid veteran option like Hekker in situations like this.
That should be the last roster move the Vikings make before Sunday’s game. If they take any other steps, we will bring them to you as soon as possible.