There’s a Bold Ryan Kelly Update for Vikings
He’s on his way back. The Minnesota Vikings activated center Ryan Kelly’s practice window on Wednesday, giving the team 21 days to make his return official.
The Vikings received a significant development on Ryan Kelly’s recovery, as the veteran lineman moves closer to returning after multiple concussions.
Kelly endured two concussions in 14 days earlier this season, casting his future into doubt because of five total in his career.
But Kelly will be back with an appropriate precaution.
Ryan Kelly Nearing Return to Vikings’ Lineup
The four-time Pro Bowler will soon hike the rock to J.J. McCarthy
Practice Window Opened for Kelly
It’s official. The path for Kelly’s return is in motion.
KARE11‘s David Griswold wrote Wednesday, “Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly returned to practice Wednesday after a four-week stint on injured reserve because of concussions.”
“The 32-year-old was placed on IR Oct. 4 after suffering his second concussion this season. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday that he will wear a guardian cap in practice, but he wants to see how he responds to being back on the practice field before making any game-day designations.”
Kelly last played in Dublin when the Vikings lost to Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Blake Brandel has mostly held down the fort since, showcasing ups and downs.
A Guardian Cap on the Way
A bit of encouraging news: Kelly will wear a Guardian helmet upon his return, his first time using one in his 10-season career.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted, “Kelly will wear a new helmet model today, O’Connell said, and will likely use a Guardian Cap. Team’s focus is not just on this season but beyond, O’Connell said. Kelly has had 5 documented concussions in his NFL career.”
A handful of players wear the caps around the NFL, and they’re supposed to reduce the risk of concussions. They look a little silly — but who really cares?
Vikings OL at Full Strength for First Time
If one assumes that Kelly returns to action this Sunday or soon after, well, for the very first time in 2025, the Vikings will floss their full-strength offensive line.
Consider this: in April, Minnesota planned for this fivesome to fill out the trenches:
— Right Tackle: Brian O’Neill
— Right Guard: Will Fries
— Center: Ryan Kelly
— Left Guard: Donovan Jackson
— Left Tackle: Christian Darrisaw
The group has not taken a single snap in unison, not in the preseason or regular season.
If Kelly plays this weekend or if the other four stay healthy after Week 11, the envisioned fivesome is on the way.
Will There Be Enough Time for It to Matter?
The kicker? Minnesota must win this Sunday for Kelly’s return to matter. To reach the postseason — or entertain it — the Vikings must finish the season with a 10-7 record (in all likelihood), meaning it needs a 6-2 record the rest of the way, at worst.
A loss to the Bears would force a 6-1 mandate in the season’s final seven games, which no one would foresee for the hypothetical 4-6 Vikings.
A general rule of thumb: Minnesota must be at least 6-6 by the start of December, when the schedule eases with games against the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants.
Other Kelly Perspective
The Viking Age‘s Adam Carlson dabbled in Kelly’s comeback this week: “The 32-year-old center has suffered multiple concussions this season, and Minnesota is playing it safe with his return to action. While he has been out, the Vikings have tried a few players to fill in, but have settled on having Blake Brandel handling the duties in his absence.”
“The Vikings are getting healthy just in time for back-to-back division games. On Sunday, the purple and gold will host the Chicago Bears, and the next week will see them travel across state lines to play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. A first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, Kelly played for them for nine seasons before joining Minnesota in free agency this offseason.”
Minnesota’s offensive line ranks 14th in the NFL through 10 weeks, according to Pro Football Focus.
Carlson continued, “The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout started 121 games at center for the Colts during that time. With the Vikings, Kelly has started three games but has struggled to stay on the field since then. The four-time Pro Bowl center could be a huge asset for Minnesota if he can return to the lineup and play at a high level.”
“With how Minnesota’s offense struggled in games lately, having their experienced center back in the lineup would be a huge boost to a unit that might be able to help young quarterback J.J. McCarthy and veteran running back Aaron Jones be more productive offensively for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.”
Kelly’s Week 11 status, if applicable, will come into view on Thursday or Friday.
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