The Minnesota Vikings could soon regain crucial special teams players as kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola return to practice.

The Minnesota Vikings are optimistic that their special teams unit will receive a boost in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, the team announced that they have designated kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola to return to practice. Both players have been sidelined on injured reserve for the past four weeks, with DePaola recovering from a hand injury and Reichard dealing with a quad issue.

A Glimmer of Hope for Special Teams

Reichard and DePaola’s return to practice opens a 21-day window during which they can be activated to the 53-man roster or remain on IR, which would effectively end their season. Their return to the field would be a welcome addition for the Vikings, who have been without them since their victory over Indianapolis in Week 9.

While the absence of these key players has been felt, the replacements have stepped up in their place. Veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide has seamlessly taken over the duties without any significant hiccups. Kicker John Parker Romo, filling in for Reichard, has proven to be more than capable, going 11-for-12 on field goals, including several clutch game-winners against Jacksonville and Chicago.

The Clock Is Ticking

With the 21-day window now open, the Vikings are eager to get Reichard and DePaola back on the roster. However, the exact timeline for their return remains unclear. As the team continues to monitor their progress, the clock is ticking for them to make a decision.

The Vikings’ special teams have remained solid in their absence, but Reichard and DePaola’s return could provide a significant boost as the season progresses. Any updates on their status will be closely followed, as the team looks to make the most of their remaining regular season games.