Hekker (personal) did not participate at practice Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not clear why exactly Hekker wasn't able to practice Wednesday, but in any case, his availability for Week 18 appears to be in danger. He'll likely need to get back to practice Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to play Sunday.

The Panthers announced Wednesday that they've restructured Hekker's contract to save $792,000 in cap space, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hekker signed a three-year, $7.6 million deal with the Panthers last offseason and didn't disappoint during the 2022 campaign. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt and recorded 39 punts inside the 20-yard line.

Hekker signed a three-year, $7.6 million contract with the Panthers on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hekker was named the NFL's All-Decade punter for the 2010s, as he made four Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro four times. He still holds NFL single-season records for net punt coverage (46.0) and punts inside the 20 (53) from his 2016 season with the Rams. The Panthers re-signed kicker Zane Gonzalez and long snapper J.J. Jansen and have now added Hekker to the mix, so Carolina's new special teams coordinator Chris Tabor should have a solid unit heading into 2022.

Hekker was released by the Rams on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hekker developed into one of the best punters in the league after signing with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012. The 32-year-old will now seek out another organization ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Hekker (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 injured list Thursday, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hekker was away from the team for a week and a half due to the league's health and safety protocols, but he'll have just over a week to prepare for the Week 1 matchup against the Bears. The 31-year-old officially won the job as the Rams' starting punter for 2021 after Corey Bojorquez was traded to the Packers on Tuesday.

The Rams placed Hekker on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hekker lands on the list with fellow punter Corey Bojorquez. The Rams will have to bring in some outside help while their starter is sidelined. It is unknown if Hekker tested positive, or if he was simply in close contact of someone who did.

Hekker signed a $4.25 million contract extension with the Rams on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. He's now tied to the team for five years at $18.75 million.

EDGE Analysis

Hekker had an solid 2018 season, averaging 46.3 yards per punt and dropping 21 of 68 punts inside the 20.

Hekker was forced into kicking duties after teammate Greg Zuerlein injured his groin during Sunday's game against the Cardinals, which saw Hekker make his only field-goal attempt and only extra-point try.

EDGE Analysis

Hekker nailed a 20-yard field goal as well as a PAT to give him an unexpected four points. Considering how bad kickers were across the league Sunday, the fact Hekker could step in with zero career kicking attempts and convert both his opportunities was rather admirable. Nonetheless, the Rams acted on their newfound situation this week, signing Sam Ficken to the roster. That'll leave Hekker to focus solely on punting again, even though he now boasts a perfect kicking record.

The Rams gave undrafted rookie P Johnny Hekker a $10,000 signing bonus -- tied for the most among St. Louis' UDFA signings. Hekker is a big, long punter at 6-foot-5, 223, and the Rams believe he can solidify the position for the long term. "His really good balls are pretty close to (Shane) Lechler's good balls," special teams coach John Fassel said. Hekker is the favorite over Tom Malone to open the season as the Rams' punter.