Vikings Pro Bowl Lineman Returns, Practice Squad Shuffle

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Nov 22, 2025

Ryan Kelly, Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are in Green Bay on Sunday to face the Packers for the first of two annual regular season matchups they’ll play in 2025.

Being the Vikings have already beaten the Bears in Chicago and Lions in Detroit earlier this year, week 12 represents an opportunity for Minnesota to sweep their NFC North rivals on the road this season, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2017.

Ryan Kelly activated by Minnesota Vikings

Without a doubt, having their full starting offensive line for the first time all year should certainly help. Ryan Kelly (concussions), who the Vikings brought in as the centerpiece to their o-line reconstruction project during the offseason, was activated Saturday, meaning he will start for the first time since week 4.

The #Vikings have activated C Ryan Kelly from IR and he will enter #MINvsGB without an injury designation.

CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. has signed to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster for tomorrow's game. RB Cam Akers has been released from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/CXPcqI7XxO
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 22, 2025

Kelly has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. He played just 14 games in 2023 and 10 in 2024. And with just three games under his belt this year, his veteran presence should help young quarterback J.J. McCarthy substantially.

If Will Fries is able to go, as he was limited in practice this week, then the offensive line will be completely intact for the first time all season. Fill in center Blake Brandel would be in line to start at guard if he misses time.

Beyond just activating Kelly, the Vikings also brought back waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern. Depth at the position has been questionable all season, and right now the running back room is healthy. That makes Cam Akers expendable with both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason locked in.

Packers Josh Jacobs questionable against MN Vikings

On the flip side, the Green Bay Packers could be without one of their top playmakers. Last week Josh Jacobs suffered a bone bruise and has struggled to regain flexibility in his knee. It remains to be seen if he can go.

With Josh Jacobs listed as questionable, the Packers elevated LB Jamon Johnson and RB Pierre Strong Jr. for Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2025

Emmanuel Wilson is next in line if Jacobs can’t go. He has played in 10 games this year, and 34 in his career, but never started. Wilson has a 4.7 career yards per carry average.

Across 10 games this year, Jacobs has 648 yards but is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. He does have 11 touchdowns, and he’s well within reach of the 15 touchdowns he posted a season ago.