DECEMBER 3: Both Reichard and DePaola have officially returned to practice. Their practice windows are now open ahead of being activated as early as Week 14.

DECEMBER 2: The Vikings are hoping to get their main special teamers back this week. According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, head coach Kevin O’Connell told the media that both kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola will have their 21-day practice windows opened this week.

A sixth-round rookie out of Alabama, Reichard was having an impressive first year in the NFL before landing on injured reserve. Reichard had converted 14 of 16 field goal attempts, including four of five from beyond 50 yards, and recorded a long of 58 yards. He also converted all 23 of his extra point attempts, a big ask for a player in their first season of dealing with the yardage jump of an extra point from college to NFL football. Reichard tried to battle through a quad issue last month before ultimately landing on IR.

Minnesota is in no rush to bring Reichard back before he’s ready. John Parker Romo has filled in admirably for Reichard in the interim four games, hitting on 11 of 12 field goal attempts with a long of 55 yards, though he has missed one of his eight extra point attempts. The team likely feels confident letting Romo continue to fill the kicking duties until Reichard can return with no risk of reinjury.

At long snapper, the Vikings will also be looking to return an All-Pro in DePaola. The veteran has been in Minnesota since the 2020 season and finished as a second-team All-Pro selection last year after being first-team in 2022. 37-year-old Jake McQuaide has been filling in since DePaola was placed on IR following hand surgery. After three practice squad elevations, the team was forced to sign him to the active roster for this past week’s game, so in order to make room for DePaola on the 53-man roster, McQuaide will likely need to be waived.

Once the Vikings make the official designation for the two specialists to return to practice, it will open the 21-day window for each player in which they can return to practice in an attempt to officially show they can be activated from IR. If either player is unable to return following the 21 days, they will be returned to IR and be unable to get activated for the remainder of the season.