Vikings Officially Activate Andrew DePaola and Will Reichard

When they take on the Atlanta Falcons at US Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings will officially have all of their starters back on special teams.

The team announced that it has officially signed kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola from injured reserve. Parker Romo, who had taken over kicking duties in Reichard’s absence, was released to make room on the roster. The Vikings already had a spot open after waiving DePaola’s replacement, Jake McQuaide, earlier in the week.

Reichard suffered a hamstring injury in the Vikings’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9, which led to the team placing him on injured reserve. Before that game, he hadn’t missed a single shot this season, but he had missed two against Indy.

DePaola has earned All-Pro honors in recent years and was named to the first team in 2022 and the second team in 2023.

To his credit, Romo did a great job for the Vikings in Reichard’s absence. He missed a field goal and an extra point in four games, but made two game-winning field goals, including the overtime winner against Chicago in Week 12. I have a feeling that’s him given the current kicking situation in the NFL I won’t be unemployed for long.

The team also announced that fullback Gabriel Murphy has been added to the main squad for Sunday’s game. Murphy spent the season on injured reserve and was released upon activation, but was brought back to the practice squad and will now make his NFL debut this week.

This should complete all of the Vikings’ roster changes before play begins on Sunday afternoon at US Bank Stadium. If the team takes any further action, we will inform you immediately.