Vikings Encounter Center Crisis with Ryan Kelly on IR Following Concussion Setback
The Minnesota Vikings are grappling with a significant setback as starting center Ryan Kelly has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a second concussion in just 15 days. This unfortunate turn of events means Kelly will be sidelined for at least four games, adding to the team’s concerns about his long-term health.
Recurring Concussion Issues
Kelly’s recent troubles began during the Vikings’ Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, where he exited the game with a concussion before halftime. Although he missed the following game, he managed to clear the league’s concussion protocols and returned to action in a matchup in Dublin. Unfortunately, he sustained another concussion, marking the second such injury within a three-game span.
Now, Kelly is set to miss critical matchups against the Browns, Eagles, Chargers, and Lions. His earliest opportunity to return will be Week 10 against the Ravens, but the road to recovery will be paramount as the Vikings navigate the remainder of their season without him.
Team’s Commitment to Player Health
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized the organization’s commitment to player safety, especially in light of Kelly’s history with concussions. This season alone, Kelly has experienced two concussions, adding to the three he sustained during his tenure with the Colts. With five documented concussions in his NFL career, the coaching staff is prioritizing his well-being over immediate on-field needs.
“The health of our players is always the beginning, the end, and the middle of that conversation,” O’Connell stated. “So we’ll totally defer to the doctors and we’ll defer to the protocol. And then ultimately, we’re gonna want to make sure Ryan’s in a good place. That’s not anything I particularly ever want to mess around with, so we’ll be smart.”
Backup Plans in Motion
With Kelly out, the Vikings are turning to backup options. Initially, 2024 seventh-round pick Michael Jurgens was poised to step in, but he is currently hampered by a hamstring injury. As a result, versatile guard/tackle Blake Brandel will take on the role of third-string center for the upcoming game against the Browns. This will mark Brandel’s first career appearance at the center position, showcasing the Vikings’ depth challenges.
The upcoming bye week may provide Jurgens with the opportunity to recover and potentially be available for the Week 7 matchup against the Eagles.
Kelly’s Career and Future Prospects
At 32 years old, Ryan Kelly has a storied career, having spent his first nine seasons with the Colts after being drafted 18th overall in 2016 from Alabama. Known for his durability, Kelly played in 124 of a possible 148 games early in his career, though injuries have crept in during the last two seasons. This history likely influenced the Colts’ decision to let the four-time Pro Bowler enter free agency.
This spring, Kelly signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Vikings, with just over half of that amount guaranteed. On the field, he has performed well, evidenced by his 72.2 PFF grade, ranking sixth among the 35 centers with at least 100 snaps this season. However, the unfortunate injuries have now overshadowed what was expected to be a promising first season in Minnesota.
As the Vikings navigate this challenging situation, the focus remains on Kelly’s health and recovery, underscoring the critical nature of player safety in the league.
