Blast from the Past Enters the Mix for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings placed center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve one month ago, and many believed his season could be over, possibly his career.
The Vikings’ injury situation is healing like nature, and one man, once left for dead in the court of public opinion, could be back in the mix before too long.
But the Vikings appeared to say “not so fast” on that theory Monday, as Kelly began getting some limited work under his feet, raising the possibility of a return later this season.
Vikings Center Ryan Kelly Begins Work with Trainers
The four-time Pro Bowler may not be done after all.
Ryan Kelly Eligible to Hop Off IR, Begins Limited Action Behind the Scenes
If Kelly were to return this season, that process has begun.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday, “Don’t really have an update at this time of opening his window or anything like that, but want to get him started. He seems to be in a good place, and we want to see the next part of that process begin.”
So, yes, the man is “getting started,” evidently eyeing a possible return from injured reserve.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz added, “Not surprisingly, there haven’t been any updates on Kelly, the Vikings’ starting center, since his second concussion in a 15-day span landed him on injured reserve a month ago.”
“He’s now missed the last four games and is eligible to return to action, but the Vikings haven’t even opened his practice window yet. The good news is that Kelly’s ramp-up process appears to be starting, as he’ll do some work with trainers on a side field this week.”
Gone-for-Good Theories Wrong?
A couple of sources told VikingsTerritory last month that Kelly’s season was over and that his career was in jeopardy.
There had also been no promising updates about this return in the last four weeks. Additionally, Kelly suffered two concussions in three games, bringing his grim tally to five in his career.
Kelly has put together a full career, and there would be no shame in hanging it up. No one would be upset. However, the the Monday update from O’Connell cracked the door open for a return. Perhaps Kelly’s NFL story isn’t over.
If he decides to play again, the Vikings will assuredly welcome him back with open arms. He’s the missing link on the current offensive line.
The Guardian Helmet Angle
There’s also the possibility of Kelly returning but with a precaution. The NFL allows the Guardian helmets — oversized lids that look goofy but are designed to prevent concussions — for a reason. This is the reason. Some players flat-out refuse to wear them, yet in Kelly’s case, trying one out might feel damn near mandatory.
Several players wear them around the business, and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has even embraced meme culture regarding how huge the helmet looks on his shoulders.
It’s unclear if Kelly would wear a Guardian helmet, but it should at least be considered. Why the hell not?
Blake Brandel in the Meantime
Brandel took over the center spot when Kelly hit the shelf and Jurgens hurt his hamstring. At first, he struggled, but with his coach’s support, Brandel has begun to right the ship.
Blake Brandel’s PFF Grades,
since Taking over the Center Job:
Week 5 at CLE: 41.0
Week 6 vs PHI: 51.1
Week 8 at LAC: 66.8
Week 9 at DET: 68.0
He won’t be visiting the Pro Bowl, that’s for sure. However, his grades are steadily improving, and this rate, the guy may hit a fantastic groove by Thanksgiving.
His coaching staff has continued to praise his shift to center from offensive guard — after the team already flipped him from tackle to guard a couple of years ago.
PPTSD on Kelly & the Center Spot
Our Kyle Joudry wrote Monday, “One wonders, then, about what the future holds for Ryan Kelly. Surviving on the roster into 2026 always looked dicey given the potential financial savings of a cut. Seeing J.J. McCarthy march into Ford Field as a massive underdog before walking out as a conquering hero makes things even trickier to discern for the remainder of the year.”
“Quite possibly, the ongoing plan is to see the front five that overcame an impressive Detroit front — Darrisaw | Jackson | Brandel | Fries | O’Neill — continue to be the front that keeps J.J. McCarthy on his feet. To be sure, there’s at least some merit in that possibility. J.J. McCarthy played his best game as a pro on Sunday (by a Minnesota mile). There were foibles and errors (one of which appearing to be due to Brandel botching a snap).”
Kelly’s return, if that occurs at all, will likely become a slow burn over the next month or so.
“But, crucially, the kid stepped up and made several huge plays. His day finished by having gone 14/25 (56%) for 143 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He added a rushing score, too. Ryan Kelly, 32, is among the better centers in the NFL,” Joudry added.
“Given the nature of his injury, though, the Vikings cannot be in a hurry get him back onto the field. Far better to give the veteran all the time he needs to ensure he’s completely healthy.”
Brandel will get the nod again at center this Sunday at home versus the Baltimore Ravens.
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