Vikings Shut Down Another Lineman, Face Future Questions

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Ryan Kelly, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

On Christmas afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings will face the Detroit Lions in a Week 17 matchup that does nothing to revive Minnesota’s already-eliminated postseason hopes.

It does, however, represents an opportunity for the Vikings to get back to .500 while simultaneously ending the Lions’ playoff aspirations. In other words, Thursday sets up as a battle of failed expectations, especially if Minnesota comes out on top.

The Vikings will enter Christmas Day without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, along with key contributors Christian Darrisaw and Jonathan Greenard, both of whom were recently placed on injured reserve.

Ryan Kelly Placed on IR by MN Vikings

On Wednesday, to the surprise of no one, center Ryan Kelly joined that list after suffering his third concussion of the 2025 season again the New York Giants. Unlike the previous two, this injury will officially end Kelly’s first season in Minnesota.

Kelly signed a two-year deal with the Vikings last offseason, meaning he is under contract through 2026. However, it remains to be seen whether he will continue his playing career after sustaining what appear to be his fourth, fifth, and sixth documented concussions.

The former 18th overall pick in 2016 NFL Draft, has appeared in 129 games over 10 seasons. The four-time Pro Bowler has earned more than $77 million during his career to this point.

With Kelly sidelined Christmas Day, Michael Jurgens will take over at center, snapping to undrafted rookie quarterback and former Gopher Max Brosmer. The Vikings also elevated Henry Byrd and Sione Takitaki to the active roster.

Offense Lacking for MN Vikings

Ryan Kelly isn’t the only offensive piece missing Thursday. The Vikings will also be without starting tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Gavin Bartholomew, both of whom were downgraded to “out” on Wednesday. That should lead to an increased workload for Josh Oliver.

The injury list doesn’t stop there. Running back Jordan Mason is also unavailable, meaning a heavy dose Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler, who was just activated from the injury report Tuesday. Zavier Scott should factor into the rotation as well.

Meanwhile, right tackle Brian O’Neill carries a “questionable” designation. His status won’t be known until pregame warmups, leaving open the possibility that Brosmer could be without his starting center, left tackle, and right tackle against Detroit.

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