The Minnesota Vikings released veteran running back Myles Gaskin from the team’s practice squad on Tuesday, December 3, in order to make room for rookie kicker Will Reichard and All-Pro long snapper Andrew Depaola, who are returning from injured reserve. Depaola (hand) and Reichard (quad) returned to practice on Tuesday after being on the injured reserve list for four weeks.
With their return to the 53-man roster expected, the Vikings also waived backup long snapper Jake McQuaide, signaling confidence that Depaola will be ready to play in the team’s Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels stated that both Depaola and Reichard performed well in practice, but their availability for Sunday’s game remains uncertain, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Gaskin began the season as the Vikings’ kick returner after the team parted ways with Kene Nwangwu. He had three kick returns for 60 yards this season, but his role diminished after the midseason acquisition of Cam Akers.
Myles Gaskin
Andrew DepaolaWhile McQuaide’s release suggests Depaola will be ready for Week 14, Reichard’s status is still unclear. His fitness will be evaluated based on how he handles his first week back. “We’re just going to try to do our best not to necessarily replicate a game but try to get a good amount of work in to see how he holds up from a fatigue standpoint and ensure the muscle doesn’t cause any strain,” Daniels explained.
Considering Reichard’s previous quad injuries, it might be wise for the Vikings to keep replacement kicker John Parker Romo, who has been solid in his four games this season, converting 11 of 12 field goals. Reichard, a fifth-round pick in April, was perfect through the first seven games of the season but aggravated a previous right quad injury in Week 9, leading to his first miss of the year.
In addition, Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore’s status for Week 14 is in question after he sustained a low-grade hamstring strain in Week 13. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed concern but stopped short of ruling Gilmore out for the upcoming game, noting that Fabian Moreau, who played in Gilmore’s absence, performed well despite some struggles. Starting tight end Josh Oliver is expected to return after missing two games due to an ankle sprain.
