Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line suffers another blow that will impact them for weeks

Another tough blow for the Vikings’ offensive line.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz (11) takes the snap from center Ryan Kelly (78) in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Injuries to the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line have been brutal, with four of their top eight players set to miss the game on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Things just went from bad to worse for the Vikings on Saturday afternoon. While center Ryan Kelly was already ruled out with a concussion, it got worse for his immediate future with the Vikings as they placed him on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next four games.

Facts about C Ryan Kelly

  • Indianapolis Colts selected Kelly at 18th overall out of Alabama in the 2016 NFL Draft
  • Kelly has made the Pro Bowl four times in his career: 2019-2021, 2023
  • Earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020

Vikings place C Ryan Kelly on injured reserve

It’s a tough blow for the Vikings to place Kelly on injured reserve, as they believed he would solidify the interior of an offensive line that desperately needed a revamp. He replaced long-time center Garrett Bradbury, who was subsequently released after the Vikings signed Kelly.

This isn’t the first concussion that Kelly has suffered; it’s the second in three weeks this season, along with the fifth of his 10-year career. Kelly has only played in every game of the season three times. Unfortunately for both sides, this will spark discussions of his retirement due to the injuries.

Along with placing Kelly on injured reserve, the Vikings have made multiple other moves.

  • Activated FB C.J. Ham from injured reserve
  • Signed C Vershon Lee to the 53-man roster from the practice squad
  • Elevated RB Cam Akers and OL Henry Byrd to the active roster for Sunday’s game
  • Waived QB Desmond Ridder

These moves make a lot of sense for the Vikings. Lee was signed back in August during training camp to add depth and subsequently made the practice squad. He’s played extensively at center in his college career, which gives the Vikings someone capable of playing center in case something happens to Blake Brandel.

Luckily, having Ham back should make a serious impact in pass protection, as he was the third-down back the majority of last year.

The Vikings kick off at 8:30 A.M. CT on Sunday morning.

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