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Pro Bowl offensive lineman Ryan Kelly’s career could be in jeopardy after he was placed on injured reserve for his third concussion this season.
Kelly, 32, played in eight games for the Minnesota Vikings this season, but the third concussion of 2025 marked the sixth of his career, possibly calling his NFL future into question, according to ESPN.
The center was injured when he collided with New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke in Week 16. Kelly wore a Guardian cap for an extra layer of protection.
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Ryan Kelly of the Minnesota Vikings participates in warmups before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“Ryan Kelly will most likely be out this week. He’s doing well, symptom-wise and otherwise. Obviously he’s disappointed that this happened,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said.
“And go back and look at not only the play, but the footage during the play, after the play, if there was anything we could have avoided in there. But no, just part of the play. And Ryan knows that.
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Medical staff examine Ryan Kelly (78) of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)
“So much respect for Ryan as a player and the way he took the time he had and fought to get back on the field and felt ready to go. And we held back a little bit beyond that. And then when he came back on the field, the impact he’s had on our offense over the last few games has been huge. So we need Jurgs (Michael Jurgens) to step up and play a huge role to us. And I know Ryan is going to do everything he can to help Jurgs get ready to go.
O’Connell would not commit to whether Kelly would play against the Green Bay Packers in the final game of the season.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Kelly 18th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He started all 16 games that year. He played nine years with the Colts and earned all of his Pro Bowl selections with the team.
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The Vikings have dealt with numerous injuries throughout the season. Entering its game against the Detroit Lions, Minnesota was 7-8.
