The Vikings’ Missing Piece Might Not Be Missing Much Longer
Injuries have played a big role this season for the Minnesota Vikings, but the injury list has gotten a lot shorter recently. Running back Aaron Jones is back leading the running game, both offensive tackles are protecting J.J. McCarthy, and Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman give opposing defenses fits.
The Vikings’ Missing Piece Might Not Be Missing Much Longer
Missing from the starting lineup on Sunday was only center Ryan Kelly. The veteran has been on IR since suffering his second concussion of the season in Week 4. Minnesota has been cautious with the experienced blocker given his extensive concussion history, but his stint on the sidelines could end soon.
On Monday, a day after the countless communication mishaps in the loss against the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Kevin O’Connell talked to the media, and he briefly addressed the status of the four-time Pro Bowler.
“Ryan Kelly, we’re still figuring out exactly when it takes place, but barring anything changing here, anticipate maybe opening his window at some point in time soon,” O’Connell noted.
Kelly has now missed five games and has long moved past the requisite minimum of four games on the couch. The Vikings can open his 21-day practice window at any point, and once they do, he can participate in practice. Once the window is open, the club has 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster.
In his absence, the Vikings turned to Michael Jurgens. Unfortunately, the sophomore suffered an injury in the same game as Kelly, and the squad had to move veteran backup Blake Brandel from guard to center for the first time in his career. He has been snapping the ball ever since.
Kelly had an excellent start to the season, but it was relatively short-lived. He was signed in free agency after spending his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah handed him a two-year deal and the hope was that he could be a significant upgrade over Garrett Bradbury. Minnesota’s former first-rounder was axed a few days later and subsequently signed with the New England Patriots.
Kelly also has a ton of experience under his belt, something the Vikings were excited to have in front of young passer McCarthy. He has seen pretty much every pre-snap look you can dream of and could certainly help set the protection. Furthermore, Brandel’s lack of center reps has led to some shaky snaps, another item that could take a step forward with Kelly’s return.
If he can return before another issue transpires, the Vikings would get their first snaps with all five intended offensive line starters. When Kelly was healthy early in the season, Christian Darrisaw was still recovering from his knee injury. When Darrisaw returned, Donovan Jackson was out with a wrist injury.
His next chance to snap the ball will come on Sunday in a divisional showdown versus the Chicago Bears, followed by a road game across the border in Green Bay.
Kelly, 32, has started 124 career games.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.