Vikings Released Three Players, Added Punter
Minnesota parted ways with three players and signed veteran punter Johnny Hekker to the roster.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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The Minnesota Vikings released Taki Taimani, Bryce Phillips, and Trayvon Rudolph in a series of roster adjustments. To accommodate these changes, the team signed veteran punter Johnny Hekker.
Why it matters
The team made these moves to create necessary space on the roster for new player signings. The adjustments serve as a strategic effort to reconfigure the lineup ahead of upcoming matchups.
Defensive lineman Taki Taimani, who measures 6-foot-1 and weighs 324 pounds, was waived from Injured Reserve. He is now subject to a three-week waiting period before he is eligible to return to the active roster.
The players
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team that competes in the NFC North division of the NFL.
Johnny Hekker
Johnny Hekker is a veteran NFL punter known for his career longevity and precision kicking abilities.
The details
The Minnesota Vikings processed these changes to manage team personnel effectively. Taki Taimani had previously been waived by the organization in August before his recent stint on the Injured Reserve list.
Timeline
Taki Taimani was initially waived by the Vikings in August 2026.
Bryce Phillips signed with the team practice squad on September 2, 2026.
The Vikings released Taimani, Phillips, and Rudolph on September 22, 2026.
Season Trajectory
These roster moves follow the established patterns defined by the NFL practice squad participation rules. The updates reflect the team's ongoing efforts to balance talent and depth as the regular season progresses.
The signing of Johnny Hekker provides the team with an experienced punter to solidify special teams performance. Fans should note that the release of Taimani, Phillips, and Rudolph marks a shift in depth-chart availability heading into the next game.
The takeaway
Team rosters remain fluid throughout the season as organizations prioritize specific position needs. Strategic personnel management is essential for maintaining a competitive edge as teams prepare for upcoming opponents.
What happens next
The Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.
Further reading
For more on roster updates and team management, visit our Football section.
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