Minnesota Vikings place center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve after suffering third concussion in three months at MetLife Stadium

On paper, it was just another snap in a December game.

In reality, it may have been the moment that quietly closed the book on Ryan Kelly’s NFL journey.

The Minnesota Vikings center absorbed a hard hit during Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants, colliding with linebacker Bobby Okereke in a way that immediately raised red flags.

By midweek, Kelly was placed on injured reserve — a move that carries far more weight than a standard roster transaction.

Why This Injury Feels Different

This wasn’t Kelly’s first concussion of the season. It wasn’t even his second.

The hit against New York marked his third head injury in roughly three months, a troubling pattern that has sparked serious concern about his future in football.

ESPN went as far as suggesting the IR move could represent not only the end of his season, but potentially the end of his career.

Given Kelly’s history, that assessment doesn’t feel like an overreaction.

A Season That Never Found Its Rhythm

Kelly’s 2025 campaign has been stop-and-start from the very beginning.

Concussions in Week 2 and Week 4 knocked him out for nearly two months, forcing him to spend a large portion of the season watching from the sideline.

When he finally returned in Week 12, there was cautious optimism.

He even wore the padded Guardian Cap over his helmet — a visible symbol of both protection and vulnerability.

Protection Can Only Do So Much

Despite the extra safety measure, the reality of life in the trenches caught up with him.

Interior linemen live in a world of constant collisions, and no amount of padding can fully eliminate that risk.

The Week 16 concussion against the Giants underscored that harsh truth and brought Kelly’s total to six documented concussions over his ten-year NFL career.

A Coach’s Praise, Tinged With Concern

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke candidly about Kelly’s situation, making it clear how much respect the organization has for the veteran.

He praised Kelly for taking his recovery seriously and fighting his way back only when he truly believed he was ready.

O’Connell also admitted the team exercised extra caution before clearing him, and once Kelly returned, his influence on the offense was immediate and noticeable — even if it didn’t last long.

The Resume of a Proven Veteran

Kelly’s career arc has been nothing short of impressive.

Drafted 18th overall in 2016 out of Alabama by the Indianapolis Colts, he quickly became one of the league’s most reliable centers.

He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and made the Pro Bowl four times between 2019 and 2021, then again in 2023.

Most of that success came in Indianapolis, before he joined Minnesota this offseason.

The Business Side of the Story

Over the years, Kelly has been well compensated for his consistency and leadership.

According to Spotrac, he has earned more than $77 million during his career.

He’s currently in the middle of a two-year, $18 million contract with the Vikings — a deal now clouded by uncertainty.

What’s Next?

The immediate future is clear: recovery comes first.

Whether that recovery leads back to the field or toward a difficult retirement decision is something only Kelly can determine.

For now, the Vikings are left adjusting their lineup, while the league pauses to reflect on another reminder of how quickly football careers can change — sometimes in the span of a single, ordinary-looking play.

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