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Vikings Shut Down Another Lineman, Face Future Questions
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- Vikings Shut Down Another Lineman, Face Future Questions
Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
On Thursday the Minnesota Vikings face off against the Detroit Lions for a Christmas afternoon contest. The Week 17 game is the second-to-last of the season, but represents a chance for them to grab a .500 record at 8-8 .
To say that the Vikings have failed expectations this season would be putting it lightly . That same sentiment likely permeates the Lions locker room as well. Another defeat on Thursday would officially put an end to their season.
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We already know that the MN Vikings would be without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy . They placed Christian Darrisaw on injured reserve , and now Ryan Kelly will join him there.
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Ryan Kelly placed on IR by MN Vikings
Last weekend against the New York Giants , Ryan Kelly suffered his third concussion of the season. He had already missed multiple weeks on injured reserve with his second concussion. This time it ends his season, and potentially his career.
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
The 18th overall pick in 2016 , Kelly has played in 129 games over 10 seasons. He started his career working with Andrew Luck , and that gave him a front row seat to see a guy have injuries ruin his career.
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Kelly has accomplished plenty professionally. He has been named to four Pro Bowls and has made more than $77 million during his career . The two year deal he signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason has him back for 2026, but health concerns may need to win out.
With Kelly certainly out against the Lions, it will be Michael Jurgens at center for Max Brosmer . Minnesota put Henry Byrd and Sione Takitaki on the active roster while downgrading Gavin Bartholomew to out as well.
Offense lacking for MN Vikings
It's not just Ryan Kelly that is out on Thursday . The offense will also be missing starting tight end T.J. Hockenson . With Bartholomew not able to go, it's only Josh Oliver at tight end. Jordan Mason has healed enough from his ankle injury either, and that means the running back position will be thinned down.
Final #DETvsMIN injury report pic.twitter.com/nf6jUEopJe
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 24, 2025
Kevin O'Connell will need to lean on Aaron Jones and Zavier Scott in the backfield. Ty Chandler has no injury designation and will be available for the first time since Week 1 this season.
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Right tackle Brian O'Neill carries a questionable designation, as he did last week, but was able to start. It's been a war of attrition all season for the Minnesota Vikings, and they are limping to the finish line.
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