Minnesota Vikings Injury Updates: Stephon Gilmore Latest, Will Reichard Returns to Practice
The Minnesota Vikings are 10-2, and have all postseason possibilities still ahead of them. They’ve all but officially locked themselves into one of the seven playoff spots available in the NFC, and sit just one game behind the Detroit Lions for first place in the NFC North, which looks like it could come with a No. 1 seed and first round bye, come January.
To accomplish their 2024 dreams, the Vikings will have to stay healthy, something that has not been a given, so far this season. They’ve already lost LT Christian Darrisaw and 1st round QB, JJ McCarthy, to season-ending injuries.
The Vikings also spent chunks of the first 13 weeks of the NFL season without WR Jordan Addison and inside linebacker Blake Cashman. More recently, rookie phenom kicker Will Reichard, Pro Bowl long-snapper Andrew DePoala and 2023 UDFA-turned starter Ivan Pace Jr were all placed on injured reserve.
Minnesota Vikings injury updates: Kevin O’Connell gives latest on Stephon Gilmore injured hamstring
So, when head coach Kevin O’Connell took to the podium at TCO Performance Center on Monday, to recap Sunday’s latest win over the Arizona Cardinals and preview the upcoming week of practice, as the Minnesota Vikings prepare for a week 14 matchup vs the Atlanta Falcons, there was a quiet nervousness among the fanbase regarding top cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
The 34-year-old veteran cornerback left Sunday’s game vs the Cards with a hamstring injury, and never returned. That’s why we saw Kyler Murray & Co constantly picking on Gilmore’s replacement Fabian Moreau.
KOC tried to remain cautiously optimistic, regarding Gilmore’s status this week at practice, and for Sunday afternoon’s matchup. Minnesota’s head coach described the injury as a “low-grade” hamstring injury, but most of the verbiage he used was a bit concerning. “I’m not ready to rule [Gilmore] out for Sunday, just yet.”
Kevin O’Connell said it’s a low-grade hamstring injury for Stephon Gilmore. The Vikings are still evaluating, but O’Connell said he doesn’t believe it’s a long-term injury. “I’m not quite ready to rule him out” for the Falcons game, O’Connell said.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 2, 2024
Will Reichard and Andrew…
“[Stephon Gilmore] did get a low-grade kind of hamstring [injury] that caused him to not return. Still getting some evaluations on what that looks like. I do not believe it is a longer term injury, and I’m not quite ready to rule him out for this week. I want to see how he kinda feels, as we work through it.”
Kevin O’Connell on Stephon Gilmore’s status for week 14
If Gilmore can’t go, KOC didn’t rule out the possibility of the Vikings picking up a cornerback, but did note that he doesn’t see this injury as injured reserve-worthy. Should the veteran CB not be able to go, O’Connell expressed confidence in Fabian Moreau, and rookie Dwight McGlothern, who is currently on the practice squad.
Will Reichard, Andrew DePoala returning to Vikings practice
While the update on Gilmore may be optimistic, at best, there was some better news surrounding other Minnesota Vikings players who have been dealing with injuries. O’Connell announced that both Will Reichard and Andrew DePoala are both having their 21-day practice windows opened.
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That means both guys will be back at Vikings practice this week. They are also eligible to be removed from injured reserve, at any time, including this week, prior to Sunday’s game vs the Falcons.
“Will Reichard and Andrew DePoala will have their [21-day practice] windows opened up. Get them some work together. Not only Will getting swings, but DePo and [holder Ryan Wright] working back together again, and see where those guys are at.”
Kevin O’Connell on opening Will Reichard and Andrew DePoala practice windows
Replacement kicker, John Parker Romo, has performed admirably, in Reichard’s absence, and has probably earned himself a starting job in the NFL, but it won’t be with the Vikings, who invested a 6th round pick on the Alabama phenom, during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Josh Oliver back to mostly full health
Lastly, more good news. KOC also noted that Josh Oliver is feeling healthy again, and is expected to have “a somewhat normal practice this week”, and be active again on Sunday. He missed week 13’s matchup vs the Cards with a wrist injury.
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