EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Tuesday announced they have signed two veterans, punter Johnny Hekker and running back Jaret Patterson, to their practice squad.

To create spots, Minnesota released receiver Trayvon Rudolph and cornerback Bryce Phillips from the practice squad.

Additionally, Minnesota announced defensive lineman Taki Taimani has been waived from Injured Reserve.

The signing of Hekker, 36, adds a dose of continuity to Minnesota's specialists group since Hekker joined Minnesota during free agency this spring and competed with Brett Thorson, who edged out the four-time Pro Bowler through an admirable competition.

In three preseason contests, Hekker punted nine times for 434 yards, which was good for an average of 48.2 and a net of 40.0. He landed five inside an opponent's 20-yard line and thumped a long of 65.

Thorson went toe-to-toe with Hekker, punting eight times for 380 yards for an average of 47.5 and a net of 41.5 yards during the preseason. He also landed five inside the 20 and recorded a long of 58.

Through two regular-season games Thorson has punted 10 times for 458 yards and netted 41.1 per boot with five inside the 20 and a long of 62, that was recorded Sunday when he also successfully held on three field goal attempts by Will Reichard and received a game ball from Head Coach Kevin O'Connell.

Thorson suffered a hamstring injury Sunday at Chicago that was still being evaluated when Special Teams Coordinator Matt Daniels spoke with Twin Cities media members earlier Tuesday.

Hekker has played in 229 career games, logging a gross average of 46.8 yards and a net average of 42.6 yards. He has landed 400 of his 1,041 punts inside the 20 and has only recorded 58 touchbacks.

Patterson, 27, played his first two NFL seasons with Washington in 2021-22, rushing 85 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns and catching 10 passes for 73 yards across 20 appearances. He bounced around a couple practice squads in 2023 and then spent 2024-25 with the Los Angeles Chargers. In six games for the Bolts, including one start last year, he ran 41 times for 159 yards and a touchdown and nabbed three receptions for 8 yards. He made his 2025 debut against Minnesota in Week 8 on Thursday Night Football and ran 11 times for 30 yards.

The Buffalo product is listed at 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent after rushing 636 times for 3,884 yards and 52 touchdowns over three college seasons (2018-20). Patterson also made 20 catches for 271 yards and a score. His last season at Buffalo was a doozy as it featured him rushing 141 times for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns in only six contests (178.7 yards per game), including one 409-yard outing.

Patterson's addition occurs as the Vikings are without Jordan Mason, who is expected to return from Injured Reserve in a few weeks, and on the heels of Aaron Jones, Sr., rushing 23 times for 105 yards at Chicago.

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