Vikings place C Ryan Kelly on IR after latest concussion

Field Level Media|published: Wed 24th December, 20:41 2025

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center Ryan Kelly (78) during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Ryan Kelly's season is done.

The Minnesota Vikings placed the center on injured reserve Wednesday after he suffered his third concussion of the year Sunday against the New York Giants.

Kelly's career could also be in jeopardy as he now has six documented concussions since he joined the league in 2016.

The former first-round draft pick was on the IR earlier this season for almost two months after being diagnosed with concussions in Weeks 2 and 4. Kelly changed his helmet models and started wearing a Guardian Cap after returning in Week 12 before colliding with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke on Sunday.

"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," coach Kevin O'Connell said this week. "We were holding back a little bit beyond that. And then, when he returned to the field, the impact he's had on our offense over these last few games has been massive."

Kelly joined the Vikings in March after signing a two-year contract worth $18 million. He made four Pro Bowls across nine campaigns with the Indianapolis Colts from 2016-24.

--Field Level Media

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