It was a rough week for the Vikings’ special teams. Although Minnesota ended its losing streak on Sunday night and took down the Colts, Vikings’ rookie kicker Will Reichard missed two field goals — first of the season. Come to find out, Reichard is hurt and will likely miss some games.
But Reichard isn’t the only specialist who will miss some time. Long snapper Andrew DePaola suffered a hand injury during Sunday’s game. He will have a surgical procedure that will sideline him for multiple weeks.
The Vikings signed former Lions’ long snapper Jake McQuaide to replace DePaola. He is in his 14th NFL season and spent most of his career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. He overlapped there in the 2020 season with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who was the Rams’ offensive coordinator at the time. McQuaide is a 36-year-old veteran and has made two Pro Bowls in his career.
Minnesota is hoping he will come right in and fit the mold.
