The Minnesota Vikings have placed center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve, effectively ending his season and potentially his career. This decision comes after Kelly suffered his third concussion of the year during a 16-13 victory over the New York Giants on December 10, 2023. At 32 years old, Kelly has experienced a total of six documented concussions since beginning his NFL career as a first-round draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2016.
Kelly previously spent nearly two months on injured reserve earlier this season after being diagnosed with concussions in Weeks 2 and 4. Following his return in Week 12, he switched to a different helmet model and began using a Guardian Cap during games, an effort to enhance safety. Despite these precautions, Kelly sustained another concussion during a seemingly routine collision with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke in the second quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed admiration for Kelly’s dedication and resilience. “So much respect for Ryan as a player, and the way he took the amount of time he did and was fighting to get back on the field and felt ready to go,” O’Connell stated. He noted that Kelly’s impact on the offense during his recent games was significant, highlighting the player’s contributions to the team’s performance.
The Vikings signed Kelly in March 2023 to a two-year contract worth $18 million. Over the course of the season, he started eight games and accumulated a total of 314 offensive snaps. With Kelly sidelined, backup Michael Jurgens is expected to step into the starting lineup for the upcoming game against the Detroit Lions.
As the Vikings move forward, the focus will be on ensuring the health and safety of their players while adjusting their strategies in the absence of a key offensive lineman. The situation underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding head injuries in the sport, prompting discussions about player safety protocols and equipment improvements.
