EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings on Saturday announced the signing of veteran punter Johnny Hekker from their practice squad to the 53-man roster one day ahead of visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hekker, 36, who spent the offseason with the Vikings, adds a dose of continuity to Minnesota's specialists group while undrafted rookie Brett Thorson is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in the Week 2 win at Chicago.

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.

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.

To make room for Hekker, the Vikings placed center Nick Samac on Injured Reserve. Samac appeared on the injury report this week due to a knee injury.

Minnesota also announced the elevation of veteran outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy from its practice squad for the third consecutive week and the elevation of safety Tavierre Thomas from the practice squad for the first time of 2026.

Van Noy, 35, is in his 13^th NFL season. The 2014 second-round pick of Detroit has started 116 of 175 regular-season games for the Lions, Patriots, Dolphins, Chargers, Ravens and Vikings. He overlapped with Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores in New England and Miami, helping the Patriots win Super Bowls LI and LIII.

Van Noy has totaled 563 tackles, including 75 for losses and 57 sacks, and four career interceptions.

Thomas appeared in all 17 games of 2025 with Minnesota, logging 371 special teams snaps and 18 on defense. He led the Vikings with 19 special teams tackles in 2025.

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