Vikings Suffer Significant Loss on Offensive Line: Ryan Kelly to Injured Reserve List
The Minnesota Vikings have placed center Ryan Kelly on the injured reserve list, which means he will miss at least four games after suffering two concussions in the first month of the season. This decision represents a hard blow for an offensive line that will already be diminished for the next game. Kelly, who had previously suffered at least three concussions in his NFL career, entered concussion protocol during the Vikings’ second game of the season and missed the following game. Although he returned last week against the Steelers, he had to re-enter the protocol at halftime. The Vikings signed Kelly to a two-year, $18 million free agent contract in March as part of their efforts to stabilize the offensive line. However, at 32 years old, it’s unclear when he will be ready to play again.In addition to Kelly, the Vikings will be without right tackle Brian O’Neill (right MCL) and left guard Donovan Jackson (left wrist) for the game against the Browns. Kelly’s backup, Michael Jurgens, will also be out due to a hamstring injury. This means that Blake Brandel, who played last week in place of Jackson, will make his first start at center. Rookie Joe Huber is the likely starter at the left guard position. On Saturday, the Vikings signed rookie center Vershon Lee from their practice squad to back up Brandel and promoted guard Henry Byrd to add depth. They also activated fullback C.J. Ham from the injured reserve list and waived quarterback Desmond Ridder.The health of our players is always the most important thing. We will refer to the doctors and the protocol, and we want to make sure Ryan is okay. I don’t want to play with that. We will be smart.
Kevin O’Connell, Coach
