Vikings on the Cusp of Complete Offensive Line Unity
The Minnesota Vikings are on the verge of achieving a milestone they have yet to experience this season: having their entire starting offensive line healthy and ready for action. As Week 12 unfolds, center Ryan Kelly is making significant strides in his recovery and could return to the field as early as this Sunday.
Ryan Kelly’s Progress
Wednesday marked a pivotal moment for the Vikings as Ryan Kelly participated fully in practice. The team’s head coach, Kevin O’Connell, confirmed that Kelly is nearing a return after facing a challenging path through concussion protocol. Kelly has not played since suffering his second concussion in a span of just 15 days at the end of September, raising concerns about his health and future.
While his full participation in practice doesn’t guarantee he’ll suit up against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, the prospect of his return looms large. O’Connell has expressed optimism, suggesting that the team may not need to utilize the entire 21-day activation window for Kelly from injured reserve if he’s ready sooner.
A Focused Approach to Recovery
The Vikings have approached Kelly’s recovery with meticulous care, prioritizing his health above all else. O’Connell emphasized the importance of receiving the right medical advice and adhering to a carefully constructed plan since Kelly went on IR. The coaching staff has sought out additional external resources to ensure Kelly’s safe return.
“I think what you do is you defer, first and foremost, to not only the medical professionals that work with our team, but we’ve sought outside resources as well,” O’Connell noted. “You’re just looking for green light after green light after green light.”
This Sunday will mark eight weeks since Kelly’s last game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, allowing plenty of time for his recovery. The Vikings have also considered various protective measures, such as a Guardian Cap and a different helmet, to minimize any potential risks moving forward.
Impact on the Offensive Line
The Vikings signed Kelly to a two-year, $18 million contract during the offseason, hoping to bolster their offensive line after a disappointing 2024 season. The four-time Pro Bowler was brought in to provide stability and protection to quarterback J.J. McCarthy, an area where the team struggled in previous seasons.
Before his injuries, Kelly displayed his typical prowess on the field, earning commendable PFF grades and not allowing a sack in his initial three games. However, his concussion issues plagued him, leading to his absence and ultimately placing the team’s depth under scrutiny.
In Kelly’s absence, Blake Brandel has stepped in admirably at the center position, despite lacking prior experience there. Brandel’s performance has been commendable, especially in the past four games, providing a solid foundation for the offensive line. Still, the return of Kelly would undoubtedly elevate the unit’s performance and provide a much-needed boost to the Vikings’ offensive strategy.
Looking Ahead
As the Vikings prepare for their matchup against the Packers, the potential return of Ryan Kelly could be a game-changer. The offensive line has shown resilience in recent weeks, and while they have managed to protect McCarthy, Kelly’s presence would enhance their capability. With a healthy starting five, the Vikings could finally showcase the offensive strength they envisioned at the start of the season, making the upcoming game one to watch closely.
