The Minnesota Vikings have taken a major step toward bringing veteran center Ryan Kelly back into action after a long recovery from a concussion. The team officially opened his practice window on Wednesday, allowing him to return to training while they evaluate his readiness to play again. This move marks a cautious but positive development for the 10th-year player, whose experience and leadership have been deeply missed on the field.
Kelly, known for his calm leadership and professionalism, has made a strong impression since joining the Vikings. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy described him as someone who brings confidence and balance to the team, saying, “He’s got this infectious wise-man energy to him. Everyone just feels a lot more comfortable when he’s around in pads, suited up.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell explained that the team has been careful with Kelly’s recovery due to his history of concussions, which dates back to his years with the Indianapolis Colts. O’Connell said that Kelly’s recent workouts went well enough to justify this next step in his comeback plan. “I wanted him to be banging down my office door, and he’s getting pretty darn close to doing that,” O’Connell joked, reflecting Kelly’s eagerness to return to play.
Kelly will wear a Guardian cap — a padded helmet cover designed to reduce the impact of hits — as an extra precaution. He suffered a concussion early this season after playing in the Vikings’ opener and was forced out of the Week 2 game. Although he was cleared to return in Week 4, he had to leave the game before halftime after experiencing further symptoms. That setback prompted the Vikings to place him on injured reserve five games ago, prioritizing his long-term health over a quick return.
During Kelly’s absence, Blake Brandel stepped up as the starting center after moving from left guard. Brandel has held the position for the past five games, helping to stabilize the offensive line. However, the team clearly values Kelly’s veteran presence and leadership, which could play a big role as the season progresses. The Vikings now have three weeks to monitor Kelly’s condition and decide whether to activate him or keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, quarterback J.J. McCarthy was seen wearing a wrap on his throwing hand during Wednesday’s practice after accidentally hitting it against a helmet in the last game. He described it as a painful moment but downplayed the injury’s impact, insisting that he’ll continue to practice and play. “I definitely felt it for sure,” McCarthy said. “But there’s no excuses at all. You’ve got to find ways to adapt and make sure the ball gets to our receivers.” O’Connell also confirmed that the bruising shouldn’t limit McCarthy’s participation in practice this week and that the team’s medical staff is managing the swelling and discomfort.
In other injury updates, backup quarterback Carson Wentz underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Wentz started five games earlier in the season while McCarthy recovered from a sprained ankle. The surgery means he’ll be sidelined for an extended period, leaving McCarthy as the clear starter moving forward.
With Kelly’s return on the horizon and McCarthy’s minor injury under control, the Vikings are cautiously optimistic. The team hopes to regain some of its early-season stability as it prepares for the crucial stretch ahead. For a roster that’s dealt with multiple injuries to key players, getting Kelly back on the field would be a morale boost and a sign that patience and careful recovery are paying off.
