Vikings Add Punter Hekker and RB Patterson to Practice Squad

WHO:

vikings.com - The Minnesota Vikings signed punter Johnny Hekker and running back Jaret Patterson to their practice squad.

vikings.com - Receiver Trayvon Rudolph and cornerback Bryce Phillips were released from the practice squad.

vikings.com - Defensive lineman Taki Taimani was waived from Injured Reserve.

vikings.com - Brett Thorson is the current punter for the Vikings.

WHAT:

vikings.com - Johnny Hekker has played in 229 career games, logging a gross average of 46.8 yards and a net average of 42.6 yards.

vikings.com - Hekker has landed 400 of his 1,041 punts inside the 20 and has only recorded 58 touchbacks.

vikings.com - Jaret Patterson is listed at 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds.

vikings.com - Patterson 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).

vikings.com - Patterson made 20 catches for 271 yards and a score during his college career.

vikings.com - Patterson's last season at Buffalo featured him rushing 141 times for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns in only six contests, averaging 178.7 yards per game, including one 409-yard outing.

vikings.com - The Vikings signed Johnny Hekker, a 36-year-old punter, to their practice squad.

vikings.com - Hekker averaged 48.2 yards per punt and had a net average of 40.0 yards during the preseason.

vikings.com - Hekker landed five punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and had a long punt of 65 yards.

vikings.com - Thorson has punted 10 times for 458 yards in two regular-season games, with a net average of 41.1 yards.

vikings.com - Jaret Patterson, 27, rushed 85 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons with Washington.

vikings.com - Patterson had 41 carries for 159 yards and one touchdown in six games with the Los Angeles Chargers.

vikings.com - Patterson rushed for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns in his last college season at Buffalo.

WHERE:

vikings.com - The announcements were made in Eagan, Minnesota.

WHEN:

vikings.com - Patterson made his 2025 debut against Minnesota in Week 8 on Thursday Night Football.

WHY:

vikings.com - The Vikings needed to fill roster gaps due to Brett Thorson's expected significant time missed due to a hamstring injury.

vikings.com - Patterson's addition comes as the Vikings are without Jordan Mason, who is expected to return from Injured Reserve in a few weeks.

HOW:

vikings.com - The Vikings signed Hekker and Patterson to their practice squad to address depth issues.

In a notable career, Johnny Hekker has played in 229 games, achieving a gross average of 46.8 yards and a net average of 42.6 yards per punt, while successfully landing 400 of his 1,041 punts inside the 20-yard line with just 58 touchbacks. Meanwhile, Jaret Patterson, who stands at 5-foot-8 and weighs 195 pounds, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent after an impressive college career where he rushed 636 times for 3,884 yards and 52 touchdowns from 2018 to 2020. In his final season at Buffalo, Patterson showcased his skills by rushing 141 times for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns in just six games, averaging an impressive 178.7 yards per game, which included a remarkable 409-yard performance.