The Minnesota Vikings are facing a significant challenge as injuries to All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola and rookie kicker Will Reichard disrupt their effective kicking game. DePaola will undergo minor hand surgery and be placed on short-term injured reserve, while Reichard's availability is uncertain due to a quadriceps injury.
DePaola, a Pro Bowl selection for the past two years, has been a consistent presence since 2020. Reichard, a promising rookie, has had an impressive season but struggled with injuries that affected his performance in recent games. Coach Kevin O’Connell is working on a plan to ensure both players can return to form as soon as possible.