Vikings Pro Bowler Finally Returns to Practice
The Minnesota Vikings could be oh-so-close to full strength this Sunday, taking on the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin as the four-time Pro Bowl center is back practicing fully in Eagan.
A Vikings Pro Bowl offensive lineman finally returned to practice, giving the team a needed boost as it works to stabilize the lineup down the stretch.
The Vikings will probably be one starter short because of Jonathan Greenard’s shoulder injury, but Kelly is trending to return in Week 12.
Ryan Kelly Practice in Full for Vikings
Fans haven’t seen Kelly in over two months.
Kelly Logs Full Practice for the First Time in Eons
Head coach Kevin O’Connell made it pretty short and sweet regarding Kelly’s practice status on Wednesday. He told reporters, “Ryan Kelly should be a full participant.”
That’s an open-and-shut announcement for the starting center, who hasn’t seen game action since Minnesota’s trip overseas to Dublin and London. In his stead, the Vikings have used a combination of Blake Brandel and Michael Jurgens at center — mostly Brandel.
A Strong Sign for Week 12
It would be rather odd for Kelly to practice fully on Wednesday and then not play on Sunday. In fact, Minnesota likely held him out of the Bears game last weekend out of an abundance of caution, making sure that he was completely ready before pressing the green button.
Kelly would probably have to suffer a setback on Thursday or Friday to miss Sunday’s tilt in Green Bay. That’s how promising folks should interpret his return to practice on Wednesday.
It’s the smoking gun.
… Right When Blake Brandel Got Good
All of a sudden, Kelly’s main center replacement, Brandel, has a Pro Football Focus grade of 60.0, up from the 50s over the last several weeks.
In an ironic twist, just as Brandel has begun to hit his groove at center, the Vikings will send him back to the bench from a spot that he had learned adeptly. It’s how the NFL goes, but it must be pointed out for full context.
It’s also worth noting that right guard Will Fries surprisingly popped up on the first injury report of the week with a knee problem. Brandel can play every spot on the offensive line, believe it or not. Fries did not practice on Wednesday, and if he can’t play this weekend, guess who would be the next man up at right guard? Yep — Brandel.
Cross Fingers for Kelly’s Brain Health
Now, for the important part. Kelly will reportedly wear a giant Guardian helmet to safeguard against his sixth documented concussion in 10 seasons — and good for him. It’s the smartest decision, one that could prolong his career by multiple seasons.
He must also avoid another brain injury at all costs. This website was shocked that Kelly opted to return this season, hearing from a couple of sources that he decided to pack it in this year and prioritize his health.
But the man is evidently a warrior who cannot stay away. He must channel Wu-Tang Clan and “protect ya neck.”
More on Kelly
KARE11’s David Griswold on Kelly: “O’Connell said they’ve deferred to medical professionals both inside and outside of the organization to determine when Kelly would be cleared to return to the field. He added that Kelly will likely wear a guardian cap, as well as a new helmet, to help reduce the risk of another concussion.”
“The Vikings haven’t had a fully healthy offensive line all season, and the five linemen slated to start at the beginning of the season have yet to take a snap together in a game. Standout left tackle Christian Darrisaw missed the first two games of the season as he continued to work his way back from last year’s season-ending knee injury, while rookie left guard Donovan Jackson (hand) and right tackle Brian O’Neill (knee) also missed time.”
When Kelly is healthy, he plays at a Top 10 center level.
Griswold added, “Right guard Will Fries has been the only offensive lineman for the Vikings to start every game this season; however, he was absent from Wednesday’s practice because of a knee injury. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard also didn’t practice Wednesday, but worked off to the side after injuring his shoulder in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens.”
With Kelly presumably back, Minnesota remains a touchdown underdog this weekend at Green Bay.
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