MN Vikings Lineman Trying to Play Again; Safety Enters Concussion Protocol

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Ryan Kelly - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings shifted their focus Monday, away from a huge win in week 9 over Detroit, to their week 10 home game against the Baltimore Ravens and superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. It will be one of the toughest tasks yet this season for Brian Flores‘ defense, which could be without starting safety Theo Jackson.

Vikings place Theo Jackson in concussion protocol

On Monday, Jackson arrived at TCO Performance Center showing mild concussion symptoms. As a result, the Vikings placed him into concussion protocol, a move head coach Kevin O’Connell announced to reporters during his day-after-game press conference this afternoon.

“[Theo Jackson] came in this morning with some very mild symptoms and we want to be safe, there. So, he will go into concussion protocol and we will see how he can progress throughout the week.”

Kevin O’Connell

The MN Vikings entrusted much of Cam Bynum‘s role in previous seasons, to Jackson, who has impressed those in Eagan since being selected No. 204 overall (6th round) in the 2022 NFL Draft.

He’s played in all eight of the Vikings game so far this season, and started six. The 27-year-old has totaled 31 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 recovered fumble so far.

Ryan Kelly working way back to Minnesota Vikings lineup

When the Minnesota Vikings signed Ryan Kelly this offseason, he was a huge part of their plans to reconstruct the offensive line in a way we had not seen during the Kevin O’Connell / Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era. Unfortunately, the five starters they were going to roll out in 2025 have yet to play a snap together.

But now, four of those five starters are healthy. The only one still out is Kelly, who has played just three games so far this season, racking up two concussions in the process. After his latest head injury, which he suffered week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in London, was the fifth of his career.

Related: JJ McCarthy Rides Emotional Roller Coaster After Impossible Vikings Win

Despite many fans and media members, including myself, suggested Kelly retire following his latest concussion, that doesn’t appear to be in the 32-year-old‘s plans. This week, Ryan Kelly will get back on the MN Vikings practice field, where he will begin to ramp up for an eventual return this season.

O’Connell told reporters on Monday that the Vikings have not yet activated the center’s 21-day practice window, but that will assumedly be coming soon enough. In other words, it may still be weeks (not days), but Minnesota could have its full complement of offensive lineman for the first time all season, sooner than later.

“Ryan Kelly will also begin some of that side-field work. I don’t really have an update, at this time, [on] opening his [practice] window, or anything like that. But we want to get him started. He seems to be in a good place and we want to see the next part of that process begin.”

Kevin O’Connell

Other MN Vikings injury updates

The head coach also announced the return of CJ Ham to practice this week. Finally, Josh Oliver will also start working out individually, alongside Ryan Kelly. Aaron Jones will also ramp up throughout the week, after sustaining an AC Joint injury, in hopes of starting vs Baltimore.

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