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EAGAN— After defeating the Indianapolis Colts, the Minnesota Vikings were healthy on offence and defence. They didn’t leave US Bank Stadium with their specialists intact. The Vikings placed kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola on injured reserve Tuesday. Reichard had quad surgery and DePaola hand surgery.

They signed former XFL kicker John Parker Romo, who was with the Vikings in spring and training camp, and former Lions long snapper Jake McQuaide. The Vikings will depend on these two to keep down top-tier places for at least four weeks. Reichard had never missed a kick all season (14-for-14 field goals, 20-for-20 extra points), and DePaola has been a consistent performer in Minnesota and twice been named to the Pro Bowl.

McQuaide is experienced. He played 10 years for the Rams and was a 2016 and 2017 Pro Bowler. Romo kicked 17-of-19 for San Antonio in the XFL, including 2-for-3 from 50 yards.

“It’s tough, especially at the kicker and really the kicker and the snapper position, because that kind of requires the most being in sync, so luckily [punter Ryan] Wright is a pretty good communicator,” special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said. We will rely on him to assist, as he is the designated coach. He must effectively coach and unite the team. We expect to discover a great, good, consistent operation, whoever is there.”

Dan Daniels said losing DePaola is more than missing a reliable snapper. He’s a special teams leader too.
“It’s devastating, honestly,” Daniels added. We need him back in the meeting rooms and building to continue the same process and communication, as he brings intelligence, film knowledge, and communication skills to the table. It will hurt our team’s leadership and what he brings.”

Reichard told the Star Tribune that he felt discomfort before the game, but Daniels stated he was not notified of any injury and that Reichard had a nice practice before the Colts win.

Josh Oliver’s role
Mixing in Josh Oliver helped the Vikings re-establish TJ Hockenson as TE1. Prepared for the challenge. Oliver caught five catches, earned his best PFF grade, and took on a lot of run and pass blocking.
“Josh is the best blocking tight end in the league,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “We’ll take Josh over anyone in this league in his role, with no disrespect to others. His physical presence and attitude are evident weekly. He transfers enormous persons to the ground. It’s contributed to our ground success.”

Hockenson had 33 snaps and caught three catches on four targets for 27 yards.

“We didn’t want him to overload him in his first game back,” Phillips added. “I think he felt it, getting back into real football in that shape. But having him there was good. He did good. And I expect that to continue.”