Vikings Lose Another Starter for at Least a Month
The story of 2025 for the Minnesota Vikings has been injuries.
From J.J. McCarthy being out once again in Week 5 due to a high ankle sprain, to multiple defensive injuries, and the offensive line, there have been a huge number of injuries across the roster to begin this season.
Now, it seems like the Vikings will be without yet another starter for at least a month as he heads to injured reserve.
Vikings Starter Heads to IR
Ryan Kelly, Minnesota’s starting center who was handed a two-year contract worth $18 million this spring, will be out for at least the next four games after being placed in injured reserve due to the concussion he suffered in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The news was announced Saturday afternoon by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter wrote on X, “Vikings placed Ryan Kelly on injured reserve after he suffered his second concussion of the season last week. Kelly also had multiple concussions in Indianapolis. He now will be out a minimum of four weeks.”
Kelly, who spent the first nine years of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, has suffered two concussions this year after he left Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons because of one as well as Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This latest concussions marks the fifth that Kelly has suffered during his NFL career. His first concussion came during the 2017 season, and then he suffered two more during 2023.
It’s very unfortunate that Kelly has suffered so many concussions throughout his career, and it is even more painful when you think about the fact that he is a very talented player when he is healthy.
Kelly has been named to the Pro Bowl four times throughout his career, with the most recent coming in 2023 despite missing three games due to those concussion issues. He had three consecutive years from 2019-2021 during which he was named a Pro Bowler in each season.
So far in 2025, Kelly had been one of the best centers in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. His pass blocking grade of 73.3 ranks fourth in the league among 35 centers with at least 100 snaps. His run blocking grade of 70.2 ranks 11th, and his overall grade of 72.2 ranks sixth. More impressive, he has not allowed a QB pressure all season.
With Kelly sidelined for the next month, Minnesota’s mission will be to get Michael Jurgens back onto the field as he has also left last weekend’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a hamstring injury.
For now, Blake Brandel is getting the start at center for Minnesota, marking the first time the versatile offensive lineman has ever played center during a game.
Kelly turned 32 years old on May 30.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.
You must be logged in to post a comment.