Hekker (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
After not practicing Wednesday due to a back injury, Hekker was limited Thursday and a full participant Friday, so his active status isn't surprising. During Carolina's Week 1 blowout loss to the Saints, Hekker punted five times for 191 yards, including a long of 53.
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Panthers' Johnny Hekker: Misses practice Wednesday
Rotowire
Hekker (personal) did not participate at practice Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
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.
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Panthers' Johnny Hekker: Restructures contract
Rotowire
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.
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.
