The Minnesota Vikings have placed center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve, effectively ending his season and raising concerns about his future in professional football. This decision comes after Kelly sustained his third concussion of the year during the Vikings’ narrow 16-13 victory over the New York Giants on December 10, 2023.
Kelly, 32, has a history of concussions in his NFL career, having recorded six documented incidents since being drafted in the first round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2016. Earlier this season, he spent nearly two months on injured reserve due to concussions sustained in Weeks 2 and 4. Upon his return in Week 12, he switched to a different helmet model and, for the first time, wore a Guardian Cap during games to enhance player safety.
Impact of Kelly’s Injury on the Vikings
In the second quarter of the game against the Giants, Kelly suffered a concussion following a seemingly routine collision with linebacker Bobby Okereke. His absence is a significant blow to the Vikings, who had relied on his experience and skill in the offensive line. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his admiration for Kelly, stating, “So much respect for Ryan as a player, and the way he took the amount of time he did and was fighting to get back on the field and felt ready to go. The impact he’s had on our offense over these last few games has been massive.”
The Vikings signed Kelly to a two-year deal worth $18 million in March 2023. During his time on the field this season, he started eight games and participated in a total of 314 offensive snaps. With his injury, backup Michael Jurgens is expected to step into the starting role as the Vikings prepare to face the Detroit Lions.
As the team navigates this setback, the focus will shift to Jurgens and the rest of the offensive line to maintain their performance in the upcoming games. The Vikings, currently aiming for a playoff spot, will need to adjust quickly in order to keep their postseason hopes alive.
