Pro Bowl center’s NFL future in jeopardy after sixth concussion of career

Pro Bowl offensive lineman Ryan Kelly’s career could be in jeopardy after he was placed on injured reserve with his third concussion this season.

Kelly, 32, played eight games with the Minnesota Vikings this season, but the third concussion in 2025 marked the sixth of his career, possibly putting his NFL future in doubt, according to ESPN.

The center suffered the injury when he collided with New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke in Week 16. Kelly was wearing 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 fine, as far as his symptoms and things. Obviously, I’m disappointed that it happened,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said.

“And go back and take a look, not just at the play, but at the footage during the play, after the play, if there was anything we could have avoided there. But no, just part of the game. And Ryan knows that.

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Ryan Kelly (78) of the Minnesota Vikings is watched by medical personnel 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)

“A lot of respect for Ryan as a player and the way he took the amount of time that he did and fought to get back on the field and feel ready to play. And we held back a little bit beyond that. And then when he got back on the field, the impact he’s had on our offense these last few games has been huge. So, we need Jurgs (Michael Jurgens) to step up and play a huge role for us. And I know Ryan will do everything he can to help. Jurgs get ready to leave.”

O’Connell was noncommittal about whether Kelly would play against the Green Bay Packers in the final game of the season.

The Indianapolis Colts selected Kelly with the 18th overall pick 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 had to deal with numerous injuries all season. Entering their game against the Detroit Lions, Minnesota was 7-8.

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