NFL Preseason Roundup: Alabama's Rookie Kicker Shines for Vikings

Minnesota Vikings’ rookie kicker Will Reichard, from Alabama, made a strong impact in his first NFL preseason. He scored 14 points in the Vikings’ 26-3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Reichard successfully kicked four field goals from 31, 33, 20, and a long 57 yards, as well as two extra points.

Here’s a quick look at other NFL preseason games on Saturday:

• Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills (31-26): Frank Gore Jr., an undrafted rookie running back, rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown for Buffalo. However, Carolina’s undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Plummer outperformed with 278 passing yards and two touchdowns, leading the Panthers to victory.

• Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens (30-7): Despite combining for just 212 passing yards and a costly 28-yard sack, Green Bay won the game with 193 rushing yards.

• Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (24-17): The Steelers sacked Lions quarterback Hendon Herndon five times and intercepted him once, but he managed to rush for 93 yards and threw a late touchdown pass to secure a win for Detroit.

• Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams (17-15): The Texans stopped a 2-point conversion attempt by the Rams late in the game, holding onto a narrow victory.

• Los Angeles Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys (26-19): Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance threw for 323 yards and a touchdown but also threw five interceptions, with the Chargers securing the win.

• New York Jets vs. New York Giants (10-6): Israel Abanikanda’s 45-yard touchdown run was the difference in the Jets' victory over the Giants.

• Seattle Seahawks vs. Cleveland Browns (37-33): The Seahawks scored multiple big plays, including a 79-yard punt return for a touchdown, a 56-yard touchdown run, and a 58-yard field goal, leading them to a narrow win over the Browns.

In regular-season history for the Vikings, only one field goal has been longer than Reichard’s 57-yarder—Greg Joseph’s 61-yard field goal in a 2022 game against the New York Giants. Reichard, who was the NCAA FBS career scoring leader while at Alabama, set his personal best with this 57-yard field goal.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell praised Reichard, stating, “He’s been ultra-consistent. He responded well in different situations throughout training camp and games. We’re confident in him going into the regular season.”

Reichard’s first field-goal attempt in the preseason was blocked, but he bounced back by kicking a 38-yard game-winning field goal in a 24-23 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on August 10.

Reichard also made field goals of 41 and 38 yards in a 27-12 win against the Cleveland Browns on August 17. After an undefeated preseason, the Vikings are set to start their regular season against the New York Giants on September 8.