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.

The #Vikings have signed G Henry Byrd to the 53-man roster and elevated LB Sione Takitaki to the active roster for tomorrow's game.

C Ryan Kelly has been placed on IR and TE Gavin Bartholomew has been downgraded to out for #DETvsMIN. pic.twitter.com/pWPC6nWWO8

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 24, 2025

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.

Final #DETvsMIN injury report pic.twitter.com/nf6jUEopJe

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 24, 2025

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.

For the second time this season, former Gopher Max Brosmer replaced McCarthy under center for the Vikings. The first time, he self-destructed in Seattle, tossing four picks and zero touchdowns.

Against New York, Brosmer was much better, completing 7/9 passes for 52 yards — even marching Minnesota’s offense down the field late for a game-winning field goal. On Monday, JJ McCarthy did not practice, making another Max Brosmer start pretty much inevitable.

MN Vikings lose JJ McCarthy to broken hand

On Tuesday, however, it became official. McCarthy is out on Christmas Day against the Detroit Lions, after an MRI revealed that a hairline fracture in his injured hand. In his place again, will be the one-and-done MN Gopher.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy underwent further imaging that showed a hairline fracture in his throwing hand, coach Kevin O’Connell said. He’s out Thursday against the Lions. pic.twitter.com/f1rOh6byV1

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 23, 2025

Details on McCarthy’s hand injury were murky, entering the week, after initial x-rays in East Rutherford came back negative, but then again, I do not have unlimited resources and technology like the Minnesota Vikings organization does.

However, if McCarthy is indeed done for the season, he’ll have played in just nine games. So far, he’s thrown for 1,450 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions — his completion percentage a ghastly 57.3%.

Kevin O’Connell won’t rule McCarthy out for season yet

After two years in the NFL, McCarthy has played in just 27% of the Vikings regular season games. But not so fast, because KOC isn’t ruling his starting quarterback out for Minnesota’s week 18 finale against the Green Bay Packers just yet…

Kevin O’Connell said there’s a chance J.J. McCarthy could play against the Packers in the season finale. The fracture was “similar to a bone bruise,” O’Connell said. Vikings did further imaging beyond an X-ray and MRI to determine the hairline fracture.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 2025

As someone who has experienced a similar hairline fracture, I would be shocked to see him take the field again this season. f course the Vikings have unlimited resources and are dealing with a professional athlete. However,

Ryan Kelly on the mend for Minnesota Vikings

Beyond losing J.J. McCarthy, the MN Vikings also saw Ryan Kelly exit against the Giants with his third concussion of the season. After Kelly spent time on injured reserve earlier this year with two previous concussions, it’s no surprise to see that he won’t play on Thursday either.

Kelly has worn a Guardian Cap since suffering his latest concussion. Unfortunately, that didn’t keep him from having another one. Kelly — who is just 32 years old — has at least six documented concussions on his NFL resume. He is still under contract for one more season.

O’Connell also provided an update on running back Jordan Mason. The power back left Week 16 with an ankle injury and was unable to return. If he remains out on Thursday, it will be Aaron Jones, Zavier Scott, and the potential return of Ty Chandler at running back for Minnesota.

Ryan Kelly won’t play on Thursday, Kevin O’Connell said. Jordan Mason is “still feeling it” after his ankle injury on Sunday, but O’Connell wasn’t ready to roll him out for Thursday.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 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.

Minnesota and Green Bay kick off at 12 pm central time on Sunday.

For the 4-6 Vikings, it’s a must-win game if they want any hope of remaining in the playoff race, going into week 13. But the 6-3-1 Packers are in the same boat, if they want to keep up with the division-leading Chicago Bears.

As has been the case since pretty much since the end of their week 6 bye, the MN Vikings continue to get healthier. In fact, only two Vikings starters have been limited at practice this week due to injury, OLB Jonathan Greenard and RG Will Fries.

MN Vikings Final Week 12 Injury Report: Fries in, Greenard and Kelly questionable

On Friday, Minnesota’s final injury report of week 12 was released and Fries was no longer on it, meaning the 27-year-old offseason free agent signing is good to go vs the Packers. Greenard, meanwhile, was listed as questionable, along with center Ryan Kelly, who hasn’t played since week 4 in Dublin.

Final #MINvsGB injury report

QUESTIONABLE: Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly*

*Currently in 21-day return to practice window pic.twitter.com/Y1myus9hS2

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 21, 2025

Second-year OLB Dallas Turner played pretty well against Chicago last weekend, in the absence of Jonathan Greenard. But the MN Vikings defense is a shell of itself without one of its three core linebackers, Greenard, Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman — all of whom have missed time this season.

Jonathan Greenard has struggled to bring down opposing quarterbacks in 2025, posting just two sacks in 9 games played. This, after racking up 12 sacks in 2024. Still, the 28-year-old holds a 70.0 pass rush grade (PFF) on the season, and leads the Vikings in pressures with 27.

Jonathan Greenard, Ryan Kelly both expected to play vs Packers

And while he is listed as questionable on the injury report, Greenard told Emily Leiker (Star Tribune) on Thursday that, regardless of what the injury report says, he’s “super confident” he’ll be active Sunday in Lambeau.

Greenard said after practice he’s feeling “good” and that he’s “super confident” he will be able to play Sunday at Green Bay.

Emily Leiker – Star Tribune

And while the Minnesota Vikings have yet to officially activate Ryan Kelly, he was a full participant in practice all week, and he’s fully cleared to play. On top of that, the Vikings waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern on Thursday, and have yet to fill his spot, which is expected to be waiting for Kelly’s activation.

In other words, it seems more than likely that both of “questionable” Vikings players from Friday will be active and starting against the Green Bay Packers later this weekend. Of course, we will not know for sure until the active/inactive lists come out two hours prior to game time on Sunday.

Ryan Kelly was a full participant for the third straight day, as he prepares for his return on Sunday. The #Vikings will have to activate him from injured reserve by tomorrow, but they’ve kept Dwight McGlothern’s roster spot open for him. pic.twitter.com/0Jo6kOaEg5

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 21, 2025

The Packers come into Sunday’s matchup with a 6-3-1 record. If they want to keep pace with division-leading Chicago Bears, then this contest is almost as important for Green Bay, as it is for the Vikings. Thankfully, the purple continue to get healthier, which should help their chances.

Minnesota Vikings give early week 12 injury updates

On Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell brought more good news to the podium during his pre-practice press conference, where he told reporters gathered at TCO Performance Center that Jonathan Greenard will work out on his own today, before they chart a path forward for their starting outside linebacker.

Right after the Greenard update, KOC added a small but groundbreaking note on Ryan Kelly (concussion), revealing that the starting center will be a FULL participant at practice Wednesday. It’s the first time he’s been a full-go since suffering his latest head injury September 28 in London, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Jonathan Greenard will work off to the side today and we will update you guys on kinda where he is at, moving into tomorrow and Friday. Ryan Kelly should be a full participant.”

Kevin O’Connell – Wed, Nov. 19

From the sounds of it, this leads me to believe that Ryan Kelly is likely to be back on the field Sunday, in Green Bay. If true, it will be just the fourth time he’s been active, since signing with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason.

If everything goes as planned, it will also be the first time this starting o-line unit has played even one snap together, since being reconstructed in the spring.

Vikings o-line finally healthy…?

This, after starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw missed the beginning of this season recovering from knee surgery that ended his 2024. Other starters, including Brian O’Neill and Donovan Jackson, have also missed time due to injury, as have some of the Vikings depth options.

In fact, the only Minnesota o-lineman to play all ten games so far in 2025 is 27-year-old left guard, Will Fries, who missed all but five games in 2024 with the Colts due to a broken leg.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on Ryan Kelly's status. pic.twitter.com/KoObncc1Fe

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 19, 2025

And as the line has gotten healthier, so has the play. Without a doubt, week 11 against the Chicago Bears was Vikings’ best as an offensive line. There were holes all over for both running backs and JJ McCarthy had more time and open receivers than he had poise.

Now, in week 12 against the hated Green Bay Packers, it appears the Minnesota Moving Company should be even better. Of course, what we see on paper isn’t always what unfolds on game day. So until then, we can only imagine how good things will be with all five healthy starters up front.

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.

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.

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.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an injury update on Theo Jackson. pic.twitter.com/QXBHLm1Src

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 3, 2025

“[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.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell expects C.J. Ham to return to practice, while Josh Oliver and Ryan Kelly will start working with trainers on the side field. pic.twitter.com/FGKjD7f2kG

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 3, 2025

“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.

Now, the Vikings are staring down a Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be Minnesota’s sixth game of the season, and they still have yet to roll out the five original OL starters.

Unfortunately, that will not change any time soon, as we wait at least another three games for starting center Ryan Kelly to return from the injured list. It’s not all bad news, however, because the MN Vikings front five is getting healthier, out of the bye.

Blake Brandel may have found a new position on MN Vikings OL

In London two weeks ago, against the Cleveland Browns, both Kelly and his backup Michael Jurgens were on the shelf. That forced Blake Brandel — who hadn’t snapped a football in a game since grade school — to take over center duties.

How did it go… well, it depends on who you ask. But where it matters most, inside Minnesota Vikings facilities, he’s impressed enough to make coaches think twice before replacing him with Jurgens, even though he is now healthy.

Could Blake Brandel find a home at center after spending his NFL career at guard and tackle? Notable that Vikings OC Wes Phillips said: "The way Blake handled this game, I think we might be looking at a situation where this could be his best position of all five across the line."

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 14, 2025

Brandel played all 65 offensive snaps against the Browns. It remains to be seen how Minnesota will use Brandel with Jurgens expected to be back this week, but clearly he’s made that decision very difficult, especially if Brian O’Neill and Donovan Jackson both return from their injuries.

The Vikings drafted Brandel as a tackle, and he has been used in that capacity behind both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Last year he started all 17 games for Minnesota at left guard. With Will Fries signed and Donovan Jackson drafted, Brandel moved back to a depth role.

Although Brandel has never established himself as a high-level starter, he has consistently been a quality backup that can play multiple positions. If the Minnesota Vikings believe center is his best position after such limited time there, he may have pushed his utility even further.

The Vikings are set to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday as they return to U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time in four weeks.

It’s the Vikings’ second-straight game in Europe, and after a loss last weekend in Dublin to the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are desperate to claim victory, before heading home to the States.

Of course, winning won’t be easy tomorrow morning (CDT). The Cleveland Browns aren’t a very good football team right now, but given the current state of their offensive line, neither are the Vikings.

Sunday against the Browns, Minnesota will start (1st string) Christian Darrisaw at LT, (2nd string) Justin Skule at RT, (3rd string) Joe Huber at LG, and (starter) Will Fries at RG. At center, do-it-all offensive lineman Blake Brandel will make his starting debut at center.

Minnesota Vikings place Ryan Kelly on injured reserve

Why is Brandel starting this week at a position he has never played before? Because the MN Vikings are down both of the centers they have on roster. Starter Ryan Kelly suffered the second concussion of 2025 vs Pittsburgh and backup Michael Jurgens has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Not only was Kelly’s head injury the second of this season, but it was the sixth recorded concussion he has suffered during his 10-year NFL career. Thus, it was no surprise Saturday afternoon when the Vikings placed the 32-year-old veteran on injured reserve.

The #Vikings are placing center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve as he recovers from his second concussion in three weeks, per sources.

Kelly will miss at least four games. Another blow to Minnesota’s offensive line, which will be down two other starters Sunday vs. Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/rnT7QWVC7A

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 4, 2025

Kelly’s injured IR designation will keep him out for at least the next four games, making him eligible to return week 10 vs the Baltimore Ravens. We’ll see how he progresses. While this isn’t good news in the short term, anything short of a full on retirement announcement is a positive one, when it comes to Kelly.

Vikings’ OL injuries are a major problem

The Minnesota Vikings have yet to take an offensive snap in 2025 with the offensive line they constructed this offseason. Talented LT Christian Darrisaw is back, after he missed the first two weeks recovering from 2024 knee surgery..

Rookie Donovan Jackson will miss his second-straight game Sunday, after he underwent wrist surgery early last week. Brian O’Neill is out as well, thanks to a meniscus injury that dropped him to the turf last week.

Vikings coaches and trainers have pointed to week 7, after the bye, for a hopeful return timeline on both Jackson and O’Neill, but we will see what the future holds. Meanwhile, Ryan Kelly won’t be returning in the near future, and who knows after that. In better blocking news, CJ Ham has been activated.

The #Vikings also activated FB C.J. Ham for injured reserve and released QB Desmond Ridder. https://t.co/8pmCLz4H6w

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 4, 2025

But for now, it will be the MN Vikings’ o-line replacements facing off against an incredibly stout Cleveland Browns defensive line, which ranks near the top of the NFL in just about every defensive category, including No. 1 in pass rush and run stop win rate.

Don’t count the Minnesota Vikings out in week 5 just yet

Don’t rule the Vikings out just yet, though. Remember, the Browns are starting rookie 3rd round pick, Dillon Gabriel — after Joe Flacco threw three times as many interceptions (6) for Cleveland between weeks 1-4 than he did touchdowns (2).

And yes, Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores eats rookie quarterbacks for breakfast, holding a 9-1 record in his career (both DC and HC) against first year NFL QBs. On paper, the Vikings should have the advantage on that side of the ball Sunday.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said on offense, where a slow to go MN Vikings offense has been stuck in the mud most weeks behind a beaten and battered offensive line, a problem that has reached a point of desperation in Europe.

Brandel — who has played everywhere else on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line over the past few seasons — will snap the football to his quarterback for the first time in his football career, on the first Vikings offensive snap of Sunday’s contest.

This time around, the Vikings enter as the official “away” team and their health bar is far from 100%, as the injury reports seem to grow longer with every passing week.

Three backup linemen for Minnesota Vikings

On Friday morning/afternoon (CDT/GMT), Kevin O’Connell’s wounded warriors completed their final “full” practice of the MN Vikings’ 2025 international business trip. Immediately after, they dropped yet another frustrating injury report, the final one for week 5.

It’s now official. We’ll see three backups on the starting line Sunday. (LG) Donovan Jackson underwent surgery last week, to fix a surprise wrist injury. Then on Sunday against the Steelers, (C) Ryan Kelly suffered his second concussion in as many games and Brian O’Neill sprained his MCL.

Final #MINvsCLE injury report

OUT: Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Michael Jurgens, J.J. McCarthy, Brian O'Neill and Andrew Van Ginkel

QUESTIONABLE: Tyler Batty*, C.J. Ham* and Ben Yurosek

*Returned to practice and currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/4yTyK4vkB0

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 3, 2025

But it gets worse. Kelly’s backup at center, Michael Jurgens, is also out with a hamstring injury. That means Blake Brandel will start at center Sunday for the first time in his career.

The depth behind the starting group is virtually non-existent. We could also see recently signed tackle Matt Waletzko elevated from the practice squad. Vershon Lee and Henry Byrd are also options there. If activated, Byrd would be the only natural center Minnesota has on roster vs Cleveland.

Center will be the third position Blake Brandel has played on the Minnesota Vikings o-line, in the past three weeks. If O’Neill’s injury winds up lasting longer than Donovan Jackson’s return, we could see Brandel get reps at right tackle before the season is over.

Carson Wentz will start behind a MN Vikings offensive line that goes Christian Darrisaw, Joe Huber, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, and Justin Skule, from left to right. That’s nothing like the five-man combination we expected to start 2025.

JJ McCarthy fails to get on practice field

Also of note in the above injury report is J.J. McCarthy’s DNP. Head coach Kevin O’Connell hinted at the return of a No. 9 red practice jersey this week in London, but that did not happen, which suggests his ankle isn’t as far along as the Vikings had hoped.

Minnesota has a Week 6 bye, following Sunday’s contest in Great Britain. While it’s still possible McCarthy returning for their return to play in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, remains to be seen.

Andrew Van Ginkel, who has been dealing with a neck injury, will miss his third game. There is concern around insider circles that he may not be ready out of the bye, either.

Browns may miss key starters vs MN Vikings

It’s not just the Minnesota Vikings that could be down a couple of key starters on both sides of the ball this week. Cleveland Browns head coach noted that his team could face similar challenges.

Starting cornerback Greg Newsome was added to the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant. It sounds like his injury could be something stemming from Cleveland’s last game, and became bothersome as the week went on.

LIVE: Coach Stefanski speaks to the media after practice https://t.co/NMJUThgQR3

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 3, 2025

Starting right tackle Jack Conklin is also going to be listed as questionable. He has an elbow injury that has kept him out since Week 1, and his practice sessions were just limited this week.

Cleveland is nowhere near as banged up as Minnesota is, but down a tackle and corner, there would be additional opportunity for the Vikings to exploit their opponent.

The two teams kick off on Sunday at 8:30 am central time.