The Minnesota Vikings’ special teams will face significant challenges in the coming weeks, with All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola set to undergo surgery for a hand injury.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Monday, November 4, that DePaola will be placed on short-term injured reserve, which means he will miss at least four games before he can be reactivated.
The injury occurred during the Vikings’ Week 9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on November 3. In addition to DePaola’s injury, kicker Will Reichard also underwent an MRI on Monday for a quad issue, and O’Connell mentioned that they are still evaluating Reichard’s condition.
With DePaola expected to be sidelined for an extended period, the Vikings will need to make adjustments to their special teams unit. DePaola, who has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the past two seasons and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022, is a key player in their kicking game.
The absence of such an integral part of the team will leave a noticeable gap. To fill this void, the Vikings are expected to bring in kickers and long snappers this week, preparing for the possibility of further absences, including Reichard if his injury proves to be serious.
Given that DePaola must sit out a minimum of four games, the earliest he could return would be Week 14. This puts additional pressure on the Vikings’ special teams unit to perform at a high level despite missing two key figures.
The situation underscores how injuries can have a ripple effect, especially in areas like special teams, where timing and precision are crucial.
DePaola
The Vikings’ coaching staff will likely have to make some immediate adjustments to their game plans to account for the absence of DePaola and potentially Reichard, depending on the severity of his injury.
As the team looks to continue its pursuit of a playoff spot, maintaining a solid special teams performance will be critical, and they will need to rely on their depth to fill in for these key roles in the meantime.
In summary, the Vikings are facing a tough stretch ahead without their All-Pro long snapper and possibly their kicker, but they are taking steps to address the situation by bringing in additional personnel and evaluating their options. While it’s a challenging situation, the team will need to adapt quickly to keep their special teams playing on track.
