There seems to be an explanation as to why rookie kicker Will Reichard looked off his game on Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Less than 24 hours after he missed a field goal for the first time in his career, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Reichard is still in the process of being evaluated for a quad injury.

Though he tried his best to be vague about the situation, O’Connell hinted that the Vikings might have to bring in some kickers this week in the event that Reichard isn’t able to go on Sunday in Jacksonville.

“I don’t want to get too far out in front of things before I kind of know exactly the route we’re going to go,” O’Connell said. “It’s definitely something we’re considering right now.”

Asked for details about when exactly Reichard suffered the quad injury, O’Connell said it happened at some point during Sunday’s 21-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

It was jarring to see Reichard go wide right on his 53-yard field goal attempt, and even more jarring to see Reichard hit the upright on the 31-yard field goal attempt.

“I would imagine that was a contributing factor in him missing a couple of kicks,” O’Connell said. “He’s a tough dude and loves being out there with his teammates.”

To make matters worse for the kicking operation, O’Connell said long snapper Andrew DePaola suffered a hand injury that will require a procedure. He will more than likely be heading to injured reserve in the short term.

Briefly

After being declared out for the remainder of this season last week, star left tackle Christian Darrisaw underwent surgery on Monday afternoon. That officially starts the road to recovery as he works back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.