EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings (10-2) on Saturday activated veteran long snapper Andrew DePaola and rookie kicker Will Reichard ahead of hosting the Atlanta Falcons (6-6) in Week 14.
To make room for Reichard, Minnesota waived kicker Parker Romo. The Vikings also announced the elevation of undrafted rookie outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from their practice squad.
DePaola (hand) and Reichard (right quadriceps) suffered injuries in Week 9 against Indianapolis.
The Vikings added veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide and Romo, and both were essential in Minnesota's 12-7 Week 10 win at Jacksonville with Romo making all four field goals he attempted in his NFL debut.
Vikings coaches and players appreciated the jobs that McQuaide and Romo did while filling in for DePaola and Reichard. McQuaide and Romo worked with punter/holder Ryan Wright, and the Vikings went 11-for-12 on field goals and 7-for-8 on extra points in four games.
DePaola, a 2022 First-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, will play in his 132nd regular-season game and 67th with the Vikings.
Reichard began his career by making his first 14 field goals attempted, including four from 50-plus yards, before misfiring on two field goals against the Colts. He and DePaola battled through their injuries and finished the game, helping add three successful extra points in the 21-13 victory. Reichard is 23-for-23 on extra points so far.
Murphy suffered a knee injury during training camp and worked his way back from Injured Reserve. He'll make his NFL debut against the Falcons.
