Vikings defensive tackle Hercules Mata‘afa readies at the line of scrimmage against the Bears’ Cole Kmet (85) and Jimmy Graham during a game on Dec. 20, 2020. AP file photo

The Associated Press and The Maui News

Lahainaluna High School graduate Hercules Mata’afa has been signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, the team announced Tuesday.

Mata’afa joins the Jaguars after spending a week on the Washington Football Team practice squad; the defensive end/outside linebacker was released by WFT last Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Mata’afa is in his fourth NFL season, having spent his first three with the Minnesota Vikings, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State in 2018. He was waived by the Vikings before the start of this season.

He has played in 19 NFL games, totaling 25 career tackles and 2.5 sacks.