Lengthy MN Vikings Injury Report Provides Some Good News
The Minnesota Vikings practiced in front of media for the first time this week, on Wednesday, in preparation for their game on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. The main headline this afternoon was a new injury for starting quarterback JJ McCarthy, who hit his hand on a helmet against the Baltimore Ravens.
When the first official injury report of week 11 dropped a couple of hours later, the redshirt rookie quarterback was listed as “Limited” along with 11 other teammates, nine of whom also practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday.
Minnesota Vikings initial week 11 injury report is a lot
Many of the names are familiar. Christian Darrisaw, for example, was listed as a full participant, as has been the case most weeks. More than likely, he will be a DNP on Thursday, like we’ve seen all season.
Other starters who landed on the initial week 11 injury report include (RG) Will Fries, Aaron Jones, Harrison Smith (rest), Josh Metellus and both EDGE rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, along with center Ryan Kelly.
| Player | Injury | Wed Practice |
|---|---|---|
| JJ McCarthy (QB) | Hand | Limited |
| *Ryan Kelly (C) | Concussion | Limited |
| Will Fries (RG) | Calf | Limited |
| Jonathan Greenard (OLB) | Shoulder | DNP |
| Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB) | Neck | Limited |
| Aaron Jones Sr. (RB) | Shoulder/Toe | Limited |
| Josh Oliver (TE) | Foot | Limited |
| Theo Jackson (S) | Concussion | Limited |
| Josh Metellus (S) | Foot | Limited |
| Justin Skule (OL) | Shoulder | Limited |
| Christian Darrisaw (LT) | Knee | Full |
| Harrison Smith (S) | Rest | Limited |
Ryan Kelly returns to practice
Prior to practice, Kelly had his 21-day practice window opened. The 32-year-old former first round pick was placed on injured reserve October 4 with the second concussion of his season.
He and the MN Vikings are sparing no precaution. This afternoon, Kelly wore a different helmet and could even wear a guardian cap over his new headwear, for additional protection
Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said Ryan Kelly will be wearing a new helmet, a Guardian cap. https://t.co/gXHltuqpEg
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 12, 2025
Related: MN Vikings Land New Cornerback
Many wondered whether he would come back to football at all, being he’s no suffered five documented concussions since being drafted into the NFL nine years ago (2016). The Minnesota Vikings offensive line, as it was assembled over the offseason, has yet to play one snap together in 2025.
But after Kelly’s practice window was opened up on Wednesday, it looks like that streak over over 10-straight games to start the season without a healthy o-line could be on the verge of ending. If not this week, then possibly as soon as week 12.
Per usual, Thursday’s injury report will give us a much better idea of who may or may not be ready to play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. If JJ McCarthy can’t go, we will see the NFL debut of Max Brosmer, though head coach Kevin O’Connell is doing his best to avoid those concerns.
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