The Minnesota Vikings extended their winning streak to three with a 16-13 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, but the overriding story of the day was injuries.
Vikings running backs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones were banged up, and while Jones was able to return, he was clearly not at full capacity. Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy also suffered a hand injury that sidelined him for the second half, casting doubt about his status for (at least) Christmas Day against the Detroit Lions.
But one injury from Sunday stands out in a different way than McCarthy's.
Vikings center Ryan Kelly suffered his third concussion of the season against the Giants. So, with it being a short week, he's likely going to miss the Christmas Day game against the Lions barring something absolutely unforeseen.
And if he were to clear concussion protocol, which would be iffy at best to happen, there wouldn't be much point in him playing in Week 18 against the Green Bay Packers.
Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly needs to fully acknowledge the inevitable about his playing future
Sunday's concussion is the third of the season for Kelly, and the sixth documented concussion of his career. It's also his fifth documented concussion over the last three seasons, as he had two documented concussions while playing for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023.
The two concussions Kelly suffered earlier this season came over a 15-day span (Week 2 and Week 4), with the second landing him on injured reserve until he returned to the lineup in Week 12.
A hip flexor injury in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks cost him part of that game, adding to a list of non-head injuries that have happened to him lately. Neck, knee, and calf injuries cost him seven games with the Colts last season.
Before he returned to action in Week 12 against the Packers, Kelly admitted to Andrew Krammer of the Minnesota Star Tribune that retirement had crossed his mind before a conversation with head coach Kevin O'Connell.
"You have a conversation where you’re emotional, a little bit erratic, kind of spiraling mentally in a big situation and big moment in your career, and to kind of have him be the calming voice and reassure you that you’re going to be fine, we want you to do whatever you need and take as much time as you need, it’s the best feeling as a player.
It’s a conversation I’d hoped we would have. You never know with a new coaching staff how everybody takes concussions."
After meeting with doctors and getting cleared medically, Kelly realized he wasn't done playing just yet.
"A lot of soul searching, getting as many answers as I could, and then I realized I’m not done. I still love this game.”
His third concussion this season should have Kelly ready to reassess his playing future in the coming weeks. It feels cold to think about him as a prime cut candidate for the Vikings this offseason, but he absolutely is unless he takes it out of their hands by retiring due to recurring concussions.
The team will surely give Kelly the time and space to make that decision about his future after the season, but it really shouldn't take long.
And with over $77 million in career earnings when this season is over, Kelly doesn't need to risk his future health in pursuit of financial security for his family.