Minnesota worked out three punters Tuesday as Brett Thorson deals with a hamstring injury that could put his availability for Sunday in question.
The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for the possibility that they could be without their starting punter this weekend.
Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels confirmed Tuesday that Minnesota held a punter workout as Brett Thorson continues to work through a hamstring injury to his kicking leg. There is still uncertainty surrounding whether the Thorson will be healthy enough to play Sunday.
With the Vikings not yet knowing whether Thorson will be available, the team worked out three punters Tuesday in former All-Pro Johnny Hekker, veteran Matt Haack and rookie Jack Stonehouse.
If either of them sign, it would give Minnesota some insurance while Thorson continues his recovery.
Thorson entered the season with plenty of expectations after earning the Vikings' punting job during the offseason. The undrafted rookie out of Georgia won the Ray Guy Award in college and beat out veteran Johnny Hekker for the position during training camp.
Now, Minnesota could potentially find itself looking back toward Hekker if Thorson is unable to suit up on Sunday.
Hekker's familiarity with the Vikings would make him an especially intriguing option. The veteran was with Minnesota throughout the summer and competed with Thorson for the starting job. Hekker also brings extensive NFL experience, having spent more than a decade in the league and earning four Pro Bowl selections along with six total All-Pro honors during his career.
That experience could be valuable if Minnesota determines it needs a short-term replacement.
Haack would provide another veteran option. The 32-year-old has spent time with several NFL teams throughout his career and has appeared in more than 100 regular-season games.
Stonehouse represents the younger option of the group. The rookie punter would offer Minnesota a potential developmental option if the team prefers to go in that direction.
However, the Vikings' priority will likely remain getting Thorson healthy.
Minnesota has already dealt with injuries at several positions early in the season, and special teams can become especially important when a team is forced to make an unexpected change. Punting can have a significant impact on field position, particularly in close games.
Thorson's availability will be something to monitor throughout the week.
The Vikings don't necessarily have to make a decision immediately. With several days remaining before Sunday's game, Thorson has an opportunity to continue working his way back and prove that he can safely handle his responsibilities.
But Tuesday's workout was an indication that Minnesota isn't willing to leave itself without a backup plan.
The Vikings clearly believe Thorson's injury could potentially keep him sidelined, and bringing in Hekker, Haack and Stonehouse gives the team several options if that happens.
For now, the biggest question remains whether Thorson can get healthy enough to punt Sunday.
If he can't, Minnesota appears prepared to adjust.
