Not only was it Minnesota’s first home game of the year, but Adam Thielen ran out of the tunnel wearing purple again. Kirk Cousins was back in the building, and J.J. McCarthy was under center in front of the home fans for the first time.

There was also the return of one-time scorned kicker, John Parker Romo. He had just been signed to assume kicking duties for Atlanta, and he left the contest perfect. Now he’s got a full-time gig to boot.

John Parker Romo ends Atlanta Falcons kicking competition

Last summer John Parker Romo was annoyed he didn’t get a chance to show the Minnesota Vikings his abilities before they stuck with Will Reichard. He returned to kick in four games after the starter went down, and parlayed that into a deal with the New England Patriots.

Ultimately released, Parker Romo again got a chance when Younghoe Koo struggled for the Falcons, and he came in to kick against Minnesota. Going a perfect 5-for-5 won him the job for good.

The #Falcons are releasing veteran kicker Younghoe Koo, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.

Atlanta signed Parker Romo to the active roster after his perfect debut and now is moving forward without Koo, the third-leading scorer in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/fDhWknu7jN

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 19, 2025

Kicking against the Vikings last weekend, Parker Romo connected on kicks from 29, 33, 33, 38, and 54 yards. He also converted his lone extra-point on the evening.

That display was impressive, and it showed that he could step in and immediately contribute. Koo was benched after a Week 1 miss, and also doinking in a kick off the upright. Atlanta initially kept the veteran on the roster, but has since decided to roll with Parker Romo and release their kick of seven seasons.

Last year Koo opened the door to this possibility by hitting on just 73.5% of his field goals. He was just 6-of-9 from 50+ yards, and an even worse 7-of-11 from those between 40-49 yards.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Returns to Practice… with Bad News

Parker Romo now gets to kick for his hometown team. The Peachtree City, Georgia native finished his collegiate career with Virginia Tech. He was known for having a big league during his time in the XFL, and now he’ll get a real opportunity to brandish that in the NFL.

Even though the Vikings didn’t stick with Romo, they have to feel good about their decision too. Will Reichard converted 80% of his field goals as a rookie, and was 8-of-11 from 50+ yards. He has started the season 4-of-4 and knocked home his lone extra-point.

Last season John Parker Romo thought he was going to have a legitimate chance at the kicker job. Will Reichard was drafted though, and he quickly established himself as a star. Parker Romo never got a chance and left angry about the situation.

When Reichard was hurt later in the season, Minnesota brought him back. It was brief and then he landed with the Patriots. Now he’s got a new employer.

John Parker Romo to kick against Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo entered his seventh season with the Atlanta Falcons. He flamed out quickly with the Los Angeles Chargers before establishing himself in Atlanta. This season, despite his veteran status, he missed a Week 1 kick and lost his job.

Falcons ruled out kicker Younghoe Koo for Sunday night's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings and listed his reason for downgraded as not injury related.

Falcons also promoted kicker Parker Romo to kick Sunday night vs. the Vikings. pic.twitter.com/ZIt4Rbr068

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2025

Koo isn’t injured. but his pride may be. He has been demoted from the starting job and now Parker Romo will kick against his former employer.

The Atlanta Falcons have benched their longtime kicker. The team announced Saturday that kicker Younghoe Koo has been downgraded to out for Sunday night’s game at the Minnesota Vikings.

Koo missed a 44-yard field goal in the closing seconds last week that would have tied the Falcons’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 23. Koo made 2 of 3 field goals against the Bucs, but one caromed off the right upright. Koo being ruled out is not injury related.

Koo, who missed time last season because of a hip injury, is just 12-of-20 on field goals over his past nine games. Koo, 31, missed nine field goals last year, making just 73.5%, his worst percentage since becoming a full-time kicker with Atlanta in 2019.

Marc Raimondi – ESPN

As ESPN’s Marc Raimondi notes, this isn’t injury related. Koo has struggled for some time now, and the Falcons aren’t taking any chances. Parker Romo has had success in the XFL, and Atlanta is hoping he can parlay the brief experience with Minnesota into more of that on Sunday.

In four games last season for Minnesota, Parker Romo made 11-of-12 field goals. He also hit on 7-of-8 extra points. The Central Arkansas, Tulsa, and Virginia Tech product is looking for an opportunity to establish himself as a regular in the NFL.

Related: Three Keys for Minnesota Vikings Against Atlanta on Sunday Night

It will be interesting to watch him against the organization that sent him packing. Parker Romo and the Falcons will kick off against Minnesota on Sunday at 7:20 pm.

But these two NFC North juggernauts aren’t only tied together by their division, or their battle atop the conference. They also share the same former kicker, John Parker Romo, who both teams have ‘kicked’ to the curb recently.

Romo was a member of the Detroit Lions training camp roster for three and a half months in 2023. He did not make the 53-man roster. About a half-year later, Romo signed with the Minnesota Vikings. They drafted Will Reichard out of Alabama a month later, then cut Romo on the second day of training camp.

John Parker Romo proved himself with the Minnesota Vikings

But then, Reichard injured himself in week 8, which landed him on injured reserve. So, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah called a jobless Parker Romo back up. Prior to week 9, they signed the 27-year-old for the NFL opportunity he has been waiting for since 2022.

Minnesota comes away with the W!#Vikings K John Parker Romo kicks the game-winning 29-yd field goal in OT. pic.twitter.com/Vs2RMWJygM

— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) November 24, 2024

Romo, a former Virginia Tech Hokie, responded by being one of the best kickers in the National Football League for the month he was employed by the Minnesota Vikings. In four games, John Parker Romo hit 11-of-12 field goals and 7-of-8 on extra points.

He single-handedly beat the Jaguars in his NFL debut on November 10. Seriously, he scored all twelve of their points in a 12-7 road victory. He also kicked three field goals vs the Bears and went 3-of-4 vs the Cardinals, in his final game before Will Reichard was activated off injured reserve.

New England Patriots signing Parker Romo

So, John Parker Romo was waived by the Minnesota Vikings, prior to their week 14 game vs the Atlanta Falcons. He cleared waivers on Tuesday morning, and was immediately scooped up by the New England Patriots, who are reportedly signing Romo to their practice squad, per Mike Garafolo (ESPN).

The #Patriots are expected to sign K John Parker Romo to the practice squad, one day after he cleared waivers from the #Vikings, sources say. Romo went 11-for-12 on field-goal attempts for Minnesota while Will Reichard was injured. Latches on quickly in New England. pic.twitter.com/rUBe8gEOwY

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 10, 2024

Prior to his stint with the Lions, John Parker Romo proved himself to be one of the best non-NFL kickers in the world, going 17-of-19 for the San Antonio Brahmans of the XFL, where he set the record for longest field goal (57 yards), which has since been broken.

Romo kicked for three seasons at Virginia Tech, from 2019-2021, but only handled field goal and extra point duties as a super senior, where he made 34-of-34 extra points and 18-of-22 (81.8) field goal attempts.

Related: Vikings DC Brian Flores Makes Initial Short List of Coaching Candidates for NFC North Rival

From what we saw while he wore a Minnesota Vikings uniform, John Parker Romo might be one of the best and most cold-blooded young kickers in the NFL. Only time will tell, but this could prove to be a sneaky big signing by the Patriots. I can’t imagine Romo losing that job, once activated off their practice squad.

That’s a @Wendys 4 for 4 🍟@Vikings K John Parker Romo delivers a perfect 4/4 FG performance in his NFL debut!

Minnesota won 12-7.
pic.twitter.com/D7zkBqSBU6

— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) November 11, 2024

The Minnesota Vikings are also set to welcome back a crucial player tomorrow, rookie standout kicker Will Reichard, who’s been sidelined for the past month on injured reserve.

Minnesota Vikings K Will Reichard and LS Andrew DePaola activated

The Minnesota Vikings announced today that Will Reichard and Andrew DePaola will be back tomorrow. Resuming their full-time roles as kicker and long snapper.

The #Vikings have activated LS Andrew DePaola and K Will Reichard from IR.

K Parker Romo has been waived and OLB Gabriel Murphy has been elevated to the active roster for tomorrow's game.https://t.co/tzYiHkh5qM pic.twitter.com/cC3v8o0SMv

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 7, 2024

Along with this update, the team announced they’ve waived kicker John Parker Romo. Romo, who impressed by going 11-for-12 on field goals and 7-for-8 on extra points over four games. The bright side for Romo, he’s definitely got a future in the NFL.

Romo has definitely made an impact over the last four weeks, playing a key role in the Vikings’ winning streak and showing the NFL he deserves a spot on a roster. The issue? The Vikings already have a stud kicker in Will Reichard. So far this season, Reichard has nailed 14 of 16 field goals and is a perfect 23 for 23 on extra points.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Have Been Trying to Extend Byron Murphy Jr

It’s going to be awesome seeing Reichard back in action tomorrow. It’ll also be very interesting to see where Parker Romo lands.

Where will Minnesota Vikings John Parker Romo wind up?

The Minnesota Vikings moved on from veteran Greg Joseph this offseason. That meant they needed to find a new answer at the kicker position. Rather than go with a selection that likely won’t make the roster, they chose Will Reichard in the sixth round out of Alabama. The highly decorated college leg established himself quickly and was nearly perfect before hitting injured reserve with a quadriceps issue. He’s now on his way back.

How badly did Rich Eisen want Will Reichard to miss this kick…? 😂 pic.twitter.com/LI0fWcB7VM

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 6, 2024

John Parker Romo was brought back after being jettisoned during training camp and he has cemented his placed as a professional talent. The former big-leg in XFL action had made 11-of-12 kicks in a Vikings uniform, and he’ll certainly command a job once Minnesota goes back to their starter. The Vikings have seen quite a turn of events in having two competent kickers, but that means the backup is going to garner attention elsewhere.

Vet move 👌

Jake McQuaide made sure to get the ball from @Romo_HKA’s first NFL game-winning kick for him. pic.twitter.com/NgOERhlYUV

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2024

That’s great news for John Parker Romo. He was unemployed for the first handful of weeks to start the season. With turnover at the position across the league, there are multiple opportunities, but where does he wind up? It has to be a team that is winning enough to value the position, and one that has an incumbent leg struggling at converting.

Baltimore Ravens

How wild is it to think that the Baltimore Ravens would replace a legend like Justin Tucker? Unfortunately the 35-year-old has converted on a career-low 70.4% (19-27) of his kicks this season. It may be getting late early, and a team with Super Bowl aspirations certainly can’t afford to have their special teams sink them.

"That is concerning as it gets later in the year if I'm a Ravens fan." – Tony Romo on Justin Tucker missing another field goal pic.twitter.com/ynU0hr422F

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 1, 2024

Romo would provide a fresh leg that could compete down the stretch. He’d immediately join another contender, and having kicked for the Vikings, he already knows him impactful each swing is.

Atlanta Falcons

Minnesota gets to see Younghoe Koo this weekend. The Atlanta Falcons are a fringe playoff team and plenty of that depends on the ability of quarterback Kirk Cousins. The former Georgia Southern kicker was sent packing by the Chargers in 2017 when he made just three of his first six kicks. Things have been much better since, but in 2024 the 30-year-old has made just 21-of-29 (72.4%) kicks.

Quite a moment caught by @bkfox5sports after Falcons loss — kicker Younghoe Koo taps himself on the chest as he exits field, then team owner Arthur Blank puts his arm around Koo and talks with him as they walk off the field. pic.twitter.com/wZkqTCMqGM

— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) November 10, 2024

If Atlanta thinks they can benefit from a change at the position, another poaching from Minnesota makes sense. Koo made a Pro Bowl back in 2020, and has been a consistent talent for the Falcons, but things fall apart quickly.

Los Angeles Rams

Much like the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Rams drafted a kicker during the 2024 NFL Draft. They took Stanford’s Joshua Karty in the same round as Will Reichard and had hopes of him being a difference maker in year one. Through 12 games Karty has made just 16-of-21 (76.2%) kicks, and he is only 2-of-4 from 40-49 yards. Matthew Stafford has battled through his weapons being unavailable, but his special teams unit has let him down.

Going into Week 11, NFL kickers had missed ONE field goal all season from 27 yards or less (99/100). We just had TWO misses in a span of two minutes

• Joshua Karty (Rams): 26 (Shortest missed kick this season)
• Dustin Hopkins (Browns): 27pic.twitter.com/cK0cstJXqy

— John Breech (@johnbreech) November 17, 2024

If Sean McVay wants to give his veteran quarterback a short to make a postseason run, it will include winning on the fringes. Cutting ties with Karty would look similar to what Minnesota did with Carlson, but maybe there is a way to simply slide him to the side for a period of time.

Philadelphia Eagles

It’s disappointing to think that the Vikings could help out another good team, but that’s what the Eagles have in front of them. Philadelphia has a 10-2 record despite kicker Jake Elliot. The eight-year veteran has converted just 18-of-23 (78.3%) field goals this season. He is also 0-for-4 from beyond 50 yards.

Jake Elliott MISSES From 44. pic.twitter.com/lEXKElkmrU

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) November 15, 2024

If there is an opportunity for Nick Sirianni’s team to improve, it seems to come through special teams. Moving on from Elliot would be substantial, but Romo has been a much more reliable option since taking over for Minnesota. There is a very real possibility that these two teams could meet in the playoffs.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Injury Updates: Stephon Gilmore Latest, Will Reichard Returns to Practice

No matter what happens with the Vikings this time around, Romo should have zero ill will. Minnesota gave him an opportunity and he showcased his abilities. He should be kicking at he highest level for a winning team the rest of the way.

And today’s victory did not come easy. Even with the Vikings leading by two touchdowns in the 4th quarter, the Bears never died. A mad 4th quarter surge by Caleb Williams & Co., combined with some late Minnesota mistakes and the first onside kick recovery of the NFL season, led to a game-tying Bears field goal that put this one into overtime.

What we learned about the gritty (not Griddy) Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears

Thankfully, the Minnesota Vikings defense was able to get a hold, to start OT, and Sam Darnold was money in the extra session. Chicago may have kicked a game-tying field goal to force overtime, but Will Reichard’s replacement, John Parker Romo, made the game-winner, with just over two minutes remaining in the extra session.

The now 9-win Vikings proved a lot, on Sunday. Not all of the takeaways were positive, but this team showed fight and walked out of an extremely hostile environment with a division win, and that’s all that matters. Over a hard-fought 60 minutes of football, here’s what we learned.

Jordan Addison officially freed.

It’s been a few weeks since Jordan Addison may or may not have complained about his role in the Minnesota Vikings’ offense, with his now infamous “Free 3” post on Instagram. But Addison’s social media posts won’t be a concern for Kevin O’Connell & Co tonight.

Not only was Addison a main feature of the Vikings’ offense this week, he was the entire passing offense, for most of the game. At one point early in the 3rd quarter, the former USC and Pitt star accounted for 126 of Minnesota’s 150 receiving yards, including this absurd catch with former Gopher Terell Smith draped all over him.

JORDAN ADDISON 💪💪💪

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/VOUwHrtAWj

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2024

Did Jordan Addison stay in bounds? Incredible footwork pic.twitter.com/2MLRphyH6b

— Thomas Sullivan (@Yfz84) November 24, 2024

When the final whistle blew in overtime, Jordan Addison reeled in 8 of his 9 targets for 162 yards and 1 touchdown. The 22-year-old wideout was the only reliable target for Sam Darnold, through regulation, on a day where Justin Jefferson was limited to only 2 receptions for 27 yards, the second of which came on the Vikings’ only OT drive.

Related: Several Former USC Trojans Dominate In Wild NFL Week 14 Matchup

If teams are going to continue to take away JJ, this is how Addison needs to play every week, and his QB needs to make sure to find him. Week 12 proved how deadly he can be, when left open. On the day, Darnold went 22-of-34 for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was especially good in overtime, going 4-of-4 for 60 yards, which led to the game-winning field goal.

Aaron Jones revenge game… except

Speaking of offensive help for Justin Jefferson, let’s talk about Aaron Jones’ day. The Minnesota Vikings 1st year veteran running back, who turns 30-years-old this week, had himself a nice little revenge game in Chicago.

On 22 carries, Jones posted 106 yards on the ground, at an average of 4.8 YPC. It was only his second 100-yard game in purple. The first came all the way back in September, vs the Houston Texans. Jones also found paydirt for the first time in over a month (Oct. 20).

Aaron Jones runs 40+ yards for the Vikes into the goal line. pic.twitter.com/JcOCz346Nj

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) November 24, 2024

Aaron Jones told media members this week that his rib injury was feeling a lot better, than last week, leading up to one of the worst performances of his Minnesota Vikings career. That was all washed away on Sunday, for the most part.

Related: Mike Florio is Bored with the 2024 Minnesota Vikings

In a game that ended up in overtime, we can’t forget his first quarter fumble, where he had a ball ripped away from him at the Bears’ 1-yard-line, as the Vikings were about to score on their first drive of the game. It was Jones’ third lost fumble in the last two weeks.

Special Teams matter

There may not be a game played in the NFL all season that magnifies special teams play, like Bears vs Vikings, week 12. Not only did Chicago have yet another field goal blocked, something that has proven to be a huge issue for them, but their punt returner, DeAndre Carter also let a punt hit him in the foot, which Minnesota recovered.

But in the closing minutes of this contest, the Bears’ special teams gave them an insane chance at a comeback victory. After being down 14 points earlier in the 4th quarter, the aforementioned DeAndre Carter returned a Minnesota Vikings kickoff beyond midfield.

That allowed Chicago to find the endzone, and pull the game within a field goal, with just 22 seconds remaining. Then, the Bears recovered the first onside kick of the NFL season, after it hit Johnny Mundt in the foot and a black jersey fell on the football.

Bears recover the onside kick!

📺: #MINvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/3JVpREri2f

— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024

That gave Chicago a chance at a game-tying field goal, as time expired. This, just one week after they had a game-winner blocked vs Green Bay. This week, of course, they converted, pushing Bears vs Vikings into overtime, with the score tied at 27-27.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Activate Tight End from Injured Reserve

Before we finish up this Special Teams portion of this article, we need to touch on John Parker Romo (or Parker Romo), who did not have a kicking job just a few weeks ago. Since joining the Minnesota Vikings, Romo has hit all eight of his field goal attempts, including three more today, from 26, 40 and 29 yards, the last of which came in OT and walked Minnesota off in Chicago.

PARKER ROMO WITH THE OVERTIME GAME-WINNER!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bruE60mEQ4

— San Antonio Brahmas (@XFLBrahmas) November 24, 2024

Caleb Williams is going to cause the Minnesota Vikings problems for a long time

The biggest takeaway from today’s game may have been more of a long-term observation. I hadn’t watched a lot of Chicago Bears football this season, but I don’t need to see anything further on Caleb Williams. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick is going to be a problem for the entire NFL, but especially teams in the NFC North, for a long time.

He made his fair share of mistakes on Sunday. He forced balls, threw low and threw high. But overall, it was one hell of a performance by the Bears’ new franchise QB. Sam Darnold threw two touchdowns in the first half vs the Bears. But Caleb Williams, on 16-of-22 passing in the first two quarters, more than doubled Darnold’s yardage, 176 to 81.

These back-to-back throws by Caleb Williams are a perfect example why the hype was as high as it was for him pic.twitter.com/VeIHPE1UE3

— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) November 24, 2024

In the 2nd half, Williams didn’t get as many opportunities, but he took advantage of what he did get, especially in the 4th quarter, when he led the Bears on a 10-play, 64-yard drive for a touchdown that cut the Minnesota Vikings lead from 14 to 8, after a failed two-point conversion.

Report: Report: Minnesota Vikings are a Favorite to Land QB Daniel Jones

When the dust settled in Chicago on Sunday afternoon, Williams finished 32-of-47 for 340 yards, 2 TD and 0 INTs (103.1 QB rating). He takes chances and tries to fit balls where they may not be able to go, but that’s because he trusts his incredible arm talent, and his feel for the game. After watching him today, Bears fans should too.

But beyond trade talks with other teams, the Vikings had a lot going on yesterday. For example, kicker Will Reichard was moved to injured reserve, after suffering a quad injury vs the Colts. He wasn’t the only special teams player to find the IR, though. Pro Bowl long snapper Andrew DePaola got the same designation, after he too suffered an injury Sunday night.

Minnesota Vikings shuffle roster on Wednesday

In corresponding moves, the Minnesota Vikings signed familiar kicker, John Parker Romo, who lost a very short training camp battle vs Reichard this summer. Shortly after, DePaola’s replacement was announced with the signing of veteran Jake McQuaide.

So, roster moves on Wednesday weren’t surprising. But when the official news broke this afternoon, those roster transactions looked a bit different than what most expected. The only new guy at TCO Performance Center to be signed to the active roster was kicker John Parker Romo. LS Jake McQuaide was signed to the practice squad.

That left one 53-man roster spot still open. The Vikings filled it with defensive lineman, Jalen Redmond, who had been on the practice squad. To fill his spot down there, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed 26-year-old former Atlanta Falcon defensive tackle, Travis Bell.

Related: Patriots Signing Offensive Lineman Off Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad

Bell totaled 34 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and 3 QB hurries as a senior at Kennisaw State University. He has played in two regular season NFL games, both for the 2023 Atlanta Falcons. The Minnesota Vikings are the third roster Travis Bell has been on this year. He was cut by the Bengals in late August, then signed to the Bears practice squad a month later, before he was cut on October 15.

Vikings also designate Gabriel Murphy to return to practice

The last roster move announced by the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday was the designation of UDFA Gabriel Murphy to return to practice. Kwesi and Co now have 21 days to activate Murphy, or he will go on season-ending injured reserve.

The #Vikings have announced the following roster moves

– Signed DL Jalen Redmond to the 53-man roster

– Signed K John Parker Romo

– Signed LS Jake McQuaide and DL Travis Bell to the practice squad

– Designated OLB Gabriel Murphy to return to practice

📰:… pic.twitter.com/xvoA5POy4M

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 6, 2024

Will Reichard isn’t expected to be out for the season like Christian Darrisaw, but the Vikings’ rookie kicker will miss at least four games, after it was announced he is heading to injured reserve on Tuesday afternoon.

John Parker Romo back for the Minnesota Vikings

That means the Vikings will deploy a different kicker on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That kicker, as it turns out, will be John Parker Romo. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because is. Romo was in camp with the Minnesota Vikings this summer.

Unfortunately for the former UDFA, he never truly got a chance to show his abilities because Reichard beat him out before he ever got a chance to compete. Romo wasn’t thrilled with that, but now is his chance to prove he is capable.

#Vikings K Will Reichard, one of the NFL's best, is headed to IR. https://t.co/rDnvSDDDqZ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024

John Parker Romo has never kicked in a regular season game. He very clearly wanted the opportunity though, and now he’ll get it with the last team to give him a chance. It’s good that the two sides seem to have ended things amicably, and that allows the former Virginia Tech kicker an opportunity to audition for a future role.

Hopefully Will Reichard gets well soon…

Reichard had been perfect, prior to being injured on Sunday against the Colts, where he missed his first two kicks of the game. Parker Romo was 18-of-22 in his final collegiate season though, and he may find himself parlaying this deal into a long term pact with another team.

John Parker Romo connects on a 57-yard field goal for the @XFLBrahmas!!

The longest field goal in the #XFL! What a kick!!@XFL2023 @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/AS6a7L2PKX

— Between The Goalposts (@NoahBeauso) March 12, 2023

It’s unfortunate that Reichard is headed to injured reserve. He has dealt with quad issues in during college, and the hope would be that this isn’t a long-term issue. If nothing else though, O’Connell has to feel comfortable working with a guy he saw practice for him this summer.

The Vikings originally brought Parker Romo in after his big leg was shown off in the XFL. It probably would be beneficial for everyone that Sunday’s game doesn’t come down to a kick, but the implications there would be massive.

Related: Cowboys Waive Former Minnesota Vikings Cornerback

I’d guess this time around Parker Romo won’t have any hard feelings. He knows he’s a hired gun, and he gets to show off what he’s made of in the process.

Minnesota Vikings sent John Parker Romo packing early

At the onset of the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had zero kickers. But after signing Parker Romo, who kicked for Virginia Tech and played in the XFL, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah picked Alabama’s Will Reichard in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. From there, it quickly became apparent that Minnesota had their *one.*

A competition could have played out during training camp, but not anymore. And per Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, the now jobless John Parker Romo is not happy about how it all went down.

“How about John Parker Romo not getting much of a chance. Let’s just say, him, his camp, not real happy about that. Yes maybe this was the inevitable move. They go with the rookie from Alabama who they drafted, but Parker Romo got like one practice to show what he’s capable of. He was led to believe when he signed here, it would be more of a competition. Not being let go, in late July, before the calendar even flips to August.“

Darren Wolfson on John Parker Romo’s quick cut

As Wolfson notes, this was probably the expected outcome all along. That said, the Minnesota Vikings probably weren’t going to be harmed by allowing him to stick around through the first preseason game. That’s the NFL, though…

Related: 5 Bold Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Predictions, Including Lewis Cine’s Fate

John Parker Romo not thrilled with Minnesota Vikings

The kicker was diplomatic about his feelings, but Romo made clear where he stands on the situation. He broke the news on X prior to the Minnesota Vikings making anything official. Once again a free agent, he will be searching for another opportunity.

Never know when your last snap is coming. 48 LH 15-20 MPH ➡️

Thank you @Vikings . Might be back sooner than later…

I will be available tomorrow at 4PM ET. pic.twitter.com/16cCNP3Z74

— Parker Romo (@Romo_HKA) July 29, 2024

Romo has been previously tied to the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions within the NFL. His last game experience came for San Antonio in the XFL during the 2023 season. He connected on 17-of-19 field goals. He also went 2-of-3 from 50+ yards, with a long of 57 yards.

Related: Don’t Show John Parker Romo This Video of Kwesi Drafting “The Kicker”

While there were several cornerbacks available, including a few Pro Bowl options, the Vikings have instead decided to sign a hybrid who has ties to Brian Flores. Let’s break down the latest Vikings transaction.

Related: 5 Bold Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Predictions, Including Lewis Cine’s Fate

Vikings sign Bobby McCain, release John Parker Romo

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Minnesota Vikings have signed Bobby McCain. Like a few other defenders in Minnesota’s secondary, he’s a mix between a cornerback and safety. According to Kevin Seifert, McCain is expected to begin his time with the Vikings as a safety. For now.

McCain, 30, spent last season with the New York Giants. But most of his playing time came on special teams, where he saw 119 snaps, compared to just 19 on defense. However, McCain has been in the NFL since 2015, bouncing around from the Miami Dolphins to the Washington Commanders, Giants, and now the Vikings.

During his time in Miami, McCain crossed paths with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who may have been involved in his signing. When Flores was with the Dolphins, he also had McCain playing safety. He ended up starting 23 games in the two years when Flores coached him, where he recorded 58 tackles and three interceptions.

The #Vikings are signing former #Dolphins, #Commanders, and #Giants FA CB Bobby McCain, reuniting him with DC Brian Flores.

💥2023: 19 snaps (49.0 @PFF grade)
💥2022: 970 snaps (61.4 @PFF grade)
💥2021: 1,031 snaps (70.9 @PFF grade)

McCain overlapped with Flores in 2019-2020. pic.twitter.com/GmFEq30tAE

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 29, 2024

Since they needed an open roster spot to address their lack of depth in the secondary to sign McCain, the Vikings released kicker John Parker Romo, who was signed out of the XFL. This likely means rookie sixth-round pick Will Reichard has won the Vikings’ kicking job. The Alabama kicker went 5/5 on his kicks during Saturday’s practice, which may have helped convince the Vikings he’s the right man for the job.

Related: 6 Vikings Training Camp Battles that Matter in 2024