Minnesota Vikings Star Player’s Career Reportedly in Jeopardy

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Ryan Kelly might seriously have to think about the state of his career after his latest injury. The four-time Pro Bowler’s NFL career is seemingly in jeopardy. This is after suffering his third concussion in three months.

The Vikings center was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. It came after he was concussed during a collision with Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke. That was during the game on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Because of that, Kelly would miss the Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions.

ESPN described the transaction as not only ending the 32-year-old’s season. But “possibly his career” as well. This concussion marks Ryan Kelly’s sixth documented concussion in his ten-year professional career.

“So much respect for Ryan as a player,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters. “And the way he took the amount of time he did and was fighting to get back on the field and felt ready to go.”

“We were holding back a little bit beyond that. And then, when he returned to the field, the impact he’s had on our offense over these last few games have been massive.”

Concussions can be very damaging to any human. Tua Tagovailoa even considered retirement after suffering too many concussions. It led him to take jiu-jitsu training. It taught him how to learn from his mistakes and dissipate energy using various techniques. That wouldn’t work for Ryan Kelly due to the position that he plays.

What’s Next For Ryan Kelly?

The concussion suffered by Ryan Kelly last Sunday against the New York Giants has raised serious concerns. He may not return to the field in the 2026 season or possibly ever. Minnesota officially placed Kelly on injured reserve after he sustained a concussion.

It marked the third concussion Kelly has suffered during the current season. The concussion was his sixth overall. That is way too many.

After his first two concussions, Kelly returned wearing a Guardian Cap. It is a protective helmet cover designed to absorb additional impact.

The seriousness of Kelly’s situation lies in the effect of repeated head trauma. Kelly will now have to undergo multiple medical evaluations. Then he will have to make what could be the most important decision of his career.

It is unknown what will happen with Ryan Kelly going forward. He just signed a two-year, $18 million contract with Minnesota in March.