Ryan

Kelly

Kelly has now suffered three concussions this season, and is up to six recorded concussions in his career. This is an extremely unfortunate end to Kelly’s first season in Minnesota. The talented center is still playing at a high level. His 82.2 PFF offense grade and 82.6 PFF run-blocking grade are both career bests. Kelly could choose to retire this offseason.

When a man who has already spent time on IR for concussions suffers another concussion in Week 16, and said man is 32 years old, the thoughts tend to be more towards “is it time for him to retire” than “can he go Week 17?” We would be surprised if Kelly played again this season. We would not be surprised if this was it for him.

Kelly previously spent time on injured reserve this year because of a concussion. He has a lengthy history of head injuries. We suspect the team will shut him down for the year after his latest concussion. Michael Jurgens is in at center for Minnesota.

As was Brian O’Neill (heel), both upgrades from a Wednesday DNP. Christian Darrisaw (knee) remains sidelined. Still, this is a good update for anyone considering playing a Viking against New York’s woeful defense on Sunday. Most of the offensive line is trending towards being up for this contest.

Right tackle Brian O’Neill was also held out of practice. He is dealing with a heel issue. Christian Darrisaw has been in and out of the lineup with a knee issue of his own in recent weeks. All three linemen may miss Week 16. That would put J.J. McCarthy, who has performed much better in recent weeks, in a tough spot versus the Giants.

The veteran center missed the previous six games with a nasty concussion sustained in Week 4. His return bolsters a struggling Minnesota offensive line in time for a divisional matchup with the Packers in Week 12.

The Vikings now have a 21-day window with which to observe Kelly in practice, so he is not guaranteed to suit up in Week 11 against the division-rival Bears. His designation is positive, regardless. Kelly “will wear a new helmet model today” and will also “likely use a Guardian Cap.” He was placed on injured reserve earlier this year after suffering his second recorded concussion of the season and the fifth of his career.

In addition to Kelly, backup center Michael Jurgens (hamstring) has also been ruled out. The Vikings will also be out RT Brian O’Neill (knee) and LG Donovan Jackson (wrist), leaving the offensive line particularly thin against a physical Browns defensive front that’s led by Myles Garrett. With a Week 6 bye on the horizon, the Vikings will hope a week away will give their team plenty of time to heal up once they return stateside.

Jackson missed Week 4 with the wrist injury and will likely remain sideliend for the Vikings’ upcoming matchup with the Browns. Center Ryan Kelly suffered a concussion in Week 4 and right tackle Brian O’Neill went down with a knee injury. Neither player practiced on Wednesday. Carson Wentz is set to face the Browns without three of his starting offensive linemen.

Kelly has a lengthy concussion history dating back to his time in Indianapolis. The Vikings will stay in Europe for Week 5 before getting a bye and returning to action in Week 7. That looks like a likely target for Kelly’s return. Right tackle Brian O’Neill has also been ruled out for the remainder for the game.