In a surprise move, the Minnesota Vikings have signed veteran placekicker John Parker Romo and long snapper Jake McQuaide to shore up their injury-plagued special teams unit. According to sources close to the team, the signings come in the wake of injuries to rookie kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola, leaving the Vikings scrambling for experienced replacements.
Rookie Kicker Sidelined
Reichard, a sixth-round draft pick, had been off to a promising start in his NFL career, nailing his first 14 field goal attempts and 20 extra points. However, the rookie sensation reported a sore right quadriceps following the Vikings’ Sunday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, in which he uncharacteristically missed two field goals.
Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels revealed that he was unaware of any issues with Reichard until after the game, when the kicker reported discomfort in his kicking leg. The extent of Reichard’s injury remains unclear, but the Vikings wasted no time in finding a potential replacement.
Enter John Parker Romo
John Parker Romo, a journeyman kicker who spent time with the Vikings during training camp this summer, has been tapped to fill in for the injured Reichard. Despite his NFL experience, Romo has yet to attempt a kick in a regular-season game.
Romo’s most recent football action came with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in 2023, where he converted an impressive 17 of 19 field goal attempts over the course of 10 games. The Vikings are banking on Romo’s accuracy and experience to stabilize their kicking game as they push for a playoff spot.
McQuaide Brings Veteran Presence
In addition to Romo, the Vikings have signed long snapper Jake McQuaide to replace the injured Andrew DePaola. DePaola, who is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right hand, will be placed on short-term injured reserve.
McQuaide, a two-time Pro Bowler, brings a wealth of experience to the Vikings’ special teams unit. The 14-year veteran spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, where he overlapped with current Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the 2020 season.
Jake is a consummate professional and a proven leader,
– Coach Kevin O’Connell on McQuaide
O’Connell’s familiarity with McQuaide likely played a role in the Vikings’ decision to bring in the veteran long snapper. His reliability and leadership could prove invaluable as the team navigates a crucial stretch of their schedule.
Vikings’ Playoff Push
The Vikings, currently sitting at 7-2 and atop the NFC North, have their sights set on a deep playoff run. However, the injuries to Reichard and DePaola threatened to derail their momentum.
By signing Romo and McQuaide, the Vikings hope to maintain stability in their kicking game and avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize their postseason aspirations. As the team prepares for a Week 11 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, all eyes will be on the new-look special teams unit.
Looking Ahead
While the signings of Romo and McQuaide provide a short-term solution, questions remain about the long-term health of the Vikings’ original starters. Reichard’s quadriceps injury and DePaola’s hand surgery could sideline them for an extended period, forcing the Vikings to rely on their newly acquired veterans.
As the NFL season enters its final stretch, the Vikings will need to adapt and overcome adversity if they hope to secure a playoff berth and make a run at the Super Bowl. The signing of John Parker Romo and Jake McQuaide is just one piece of the puzzle, but it could prove to be a critical move in the team’s quest for postseason glory.
