Overview
- The Vikings signed veteran punter Johnny Hekker to the 53-man roster on Saturday to handle punting and holding after rookie Brett Thorson was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
- Minnesota placed backup center Nick Samac on injured reserve to open the roster spot for Hekker and Samac will miss at least four games under IR rules.
- The team elevated edge rusher Kyle Van Noy for Sunday’s game, marking his third and final allowable practice-squad elevation this season.
- Safety Tavierre Thomas was also elevated for his season debut and is expected to contribute mainly on special teams while linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. did not travel and is listed questionable for personal reasons.
- Because practice-squad players can be signed by other teams and the Hekker move filled the current opening, the Vikings must create a roster spot next week if they want to sign Van Noy to the 53-man roster and keep him available beyond Week 3.