MIN Johnny Hekker
NFL player. Position: Punter (P). Team: Minnesota Vikings.
Quick Facts
- Position: Punter
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
2026 Outlook
Hekker was signed by Minnesota in April 2026 after Ryan Wright's departure for the New Orleans Saints, appearing to have the punting job secured. However, after the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings signed college standout Brett Thorson, igniting a genuine training camp battle. While Hekker may still be favored as a veteran, Thorson's college pedigree and draft buzz make the competition suspenseful for August. (per 4 Vikings Players on Thin Ice After the Draft) Thorson won the training camp competition and started the season, but suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2, leading to Hekker's elevation from the practice squad for Week 3 against Tampa Bay. (per Final Vikings at Buccaneers Injury Report for Week 3 of 2026)
Role / Depth Chart
- Current role: Elevated from practice squad to starter for Week 3 after Brett Thorson hamstring injury
- Season arc: competing with Thorson in training camp → Thorson won the camp battle and started Season → Thorson injured Week 2 → Hekker elevated Week 3
Recent News
- 2026-05-05 — Vikings Suddenly Have One of NFL’s Most Intense Roster Battles (Vikings Suddenly Have One of NFL’s Most Intense Roster Battles)
- 2026-04-29 — Vikings get encouraging update on one of their top UDFA signings (Vikings get encouraging update on one of their top UDFA signings)
- 2026-03-09 — Tennessee Titans free agency tracker live updates, free agent signings, top NFL... (Tennessee Titans free agency tracker live updates, free agent signings, top NFL...)
- 2026-05-03 — Training camp punter battle looming after Vikings sign college standout Brett Thorson (4 Vikings Players on Thin Ice After the Draft)