Vikings Evaluated Three Punters After Injury
The Minnesota Vikings assessed free agent punters following a hamstring injury to starter Brett Thorson.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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The Minnesota Vikings held a private workout for free agent punters Johnny Hekker, Matt Haack, and Jack Stonehouse on September 22, 2026. The team explored options after punter Brett Thorson sustained a hamstring injury to his kicking leg.
Why it matters
The Vikings are preparing for roster contingencies as they maintain a 2-0 record. The workout ensures the team has a reliable replacement if Thorson is unable to perform in the upcoming matchup.
The Minnesota Vikings evaluated three free agent punters during the private session. This follows the team starting the 2026 season with an undefeated 2-0 record.
The players
Brett Thorson
He is the starting punter for the Minnesota Vikings who is currently managing a hamstring injury on his kicking leg.
Johnny Hekker
He is a veteran free agent punter who participated in the Minnesota Vikings private workout session.
Matt Haack
He is a free agent punter who was evaluated by the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff on September 22.
Jack Stonehouse
He is a free agent punter who attended the Vikings workout to showcase his abilities for the team.
Minnesota Vikings
They are a professional football team based in Minneapolis that currently holds a 2-0 record for the 2026 season.
The details
The coaching staff organized the evaluation of Johnny Hekker, Matt Haack, and Jack Stonehouse to ensure depth at the position. While Thorson is currently managing a hamstring injury, he is expected to participate in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The Minnesota Vikings conducted a workout for three free agent punters.
Upcoming Sunday: The team is scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Season Trajectory
The Vikings move follows the established NFL roster management practice of holding emergency workouts to address immediate injury concerns. Proactive assessment of free agents is a common strategy for teams seeking to protect a winning start to the season.
Brett Thorson is expected to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite his hamstring injury. The team is currently 2-0, and maintaining stability at the punter position remains critical for their field position strategy.
The takeaway
Maintaining roster depth during an undefeated season is a priority for coaching staffs facing minor player injuries. Fans should monitor the official injury report leading up to the Sunday game to see if additional roster moves occur.
Further reading
For more on the latest team developments, visit /sports/football/.
Live Poll
Do you support the Vikings' decision to work out replacement punters while the starter is injured?
