Injury update for key player Will Reichard. On Tuesday, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell described kicker Will Reichard as “an absolute rock star for us”.
However, the Vikings will use John Parker Romo as their kicker in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Reichard was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury and was replaced by Romo, whom the organization signed on Tuesday.
Reichard, a sixth round draft pick from Alabama in April, has had a strong start to his rookie season, converting all 14 field goal attempts and 20 extra point tries in the first seven games.
On Sunday night, Reichard made three extra points but missed field goals from 31 and 53 yards. Reichard also kicked off in Minnesota’s 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts despite the damage to his kicking leg.
“It’s something where you would love to have him just continue on the fabulous trajectory he’s been on, really, since he arrived here,” O’Connell explained to reporters on Monday.
“These things come happen, and we’ll go through the process of putting together the best strategy to keep him full and doing what he’s been doing all season until last night.
Given his performance so far, it’s likely that his injury played a role in him missing a few kicks. However, he pushed through, still managed to send some kickoffs into the end zone, and converted extra points, showing just how tough he is.
He clearly enjoys being out there with his teammates, and as everyone can see, they all have a lot of respect and affection for him.
With his placement on injured reserve, Reichard will be sidelined for at least the next four games, meaning he will miss Minnesota’s upcoming matchups.
The Vikings have nine games left in the regular season, including games against the Jaguars on Sunday, the Tennessee Titans on November 17, and the Chicago Bears on November 2.
