Vikings Extend Win Streak, But Ryan Kelly’s Latest Concussion Raises Bigger Questions
The Minnesota Vikings pulled out a gritty 16-13 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, extending their win streak to three games. But if you watched that game, you know the scoreboard wasn’t the main story. It was the injuries - and one in particular that looms large over the team and the player involved.
Running backs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones both took hits, with Jones gutting it out and returning to action, though clearly not at full strength. Rookie quarterback J.J.
McCarthy didn’t make it back at all after suffering a hand injury that kept him sidelined for the entire second half. His status for the Christmas Day showdown with the Detroit Lions is now very much in doubt.
But the most concerning injury didn’t happen in the backfield or under center. It happened on the offensive line - and it’s one that could have long-term implications beyond this season.
Ryan Kelly’s Third Concussion of the Season Raises Red Flags
Veteran center Ryan Kelly exited Sunday’s game with what was later confirmed to be his third concussion of the season. That’s not a typo - third.
And if you’ve been following Kelly’s career, you know this isn’t a new issue. This latest concussion marks the sixth documented one of his NFL tenure, and the fifth in just the last three seasons.
With a short week before the Vikings face the Lions on Christmas Day, it’s hard to imagine Kelly clearing concussion protocol in time. And even if he somehow did, the question becomes less about availability and more about wisdom. What’s the real upside of putting him back on the field with that kind of history?
The Vikings wrap up their regular season with a Week 18 matchup against the Packers, but again - is there anything to gain from Kelly suiting up in that one? At this stage, the concern shifts from short-term playoff pushes to long-term health.
A Career Filled with Toughness - and Wear and Tear
Kelly’s been through it this season. His first two concussions came just 15 days apart - one in Week 2, the other in Week 4 - and the second one landed him on injured reserve.
He didn’t return until Week 12. In between, he also dealt with a hip flexor injury in Week 13 against Seattle, which added to a growing list of physical setbacks.
Last year with the Colts, he missed seven games due to a mix of neck, knee, and calf injuries.
Despite all that, Kelly made his way back to the field this season. Before his return in Week 12, he opened up about the emotional toll of his injuries and the honest conversations he had with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“You have a conversation where you’re emotional, a little bit erratic, kind of spiraling mentally in a big situation and big moment in your career,” Kelly said. “To kind of have [O’Connell] be the calming voice and reassure you that you’re going to be fine, we want you to do whatever you need and take as much time as you need, it’s the best feeling as a player.”
That support clearly meant a lot. After working with doctors and going through the necessary evaluations, Kelly decided he wasn’t ready to hang it up just yet.
“A lot of soul searching, getting as many answers as I could, and then I realized I’m not done. I still love this game.”
The Road Ahead: A Decision Only He Can Make
Now, with another concussion added to the list, that decision may be back on the table - and this time, it could be more final.
The Vikings are expected to give Kelly the space he needs to think things through once the season wraps. But given the number of head injuries and the toll his body has taken, the conversation may not be as much about if he should walk away, but when.
And let’s be honest - financially, Kelly’s in a solid place. He’s made over $77 million in career earnings, and he’s built a resume that reflects both high-level play and leadership.
He doesn’t need to keep pushing his body for a paycheck. At this point, it’s about quality of life, about being able to enjoy the years after football.
No one questions Kelly’s toughness. He’s fought back from injury after injury, concussion after concussion, and still found the will to suit up and lead one of the most demanding positions in the game. But this latest setback is a reminder of how unforgiving the NFL can be - and how crucial it is to know when to step away.
For now, the Vikings will focus on Detroit. But for Ryan Kelly, the next few weeks might be about something much bigger than football.