The Minnesota Vikings are about to get a major boost on their offensive line as former Alabama All-American Ryan Kelly makes his long-awaited return to the field. After missing six games due to a concussion, the veteran center has been activated from injured reserve and is set to start against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field. With the Vikings sitting at a 4-6 record and clinging to playoff hopes in the competitive NFC North, Kelly’s comeback couldn’t come at a better time. His experience and leadership might just be the spark that turns Minnesota’s season around, making them a more formidable—and dangerous—opponent down the stretch.
Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler, entered the NFL as the 18th overall pick in the 2016 draft after a stellar college career at Alabama, where he won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center and helped lead the Crimson Tide to the 2015 CFP national championship. He spent nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before signing a two-year, $18 million deal with the Vikings in March 2025. In his limited action this season—appearing in just three games—Kelly has been a stabilizing force when healthy, handling every snap in the season-opening 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears on September 8.
However, Kelly’s season hit a rough patch early on. He entered the NFL’s concussion protocol during the first half of a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on September 14. After missing the following week’s dominant 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, he returned against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 28 but was sidelined again at halftime in a 24-21 defeat. Placed on injured reserve on October 4 following his second concussion in three games, Kelly underwent extensive evaluation and reflection.
“A lot of soul searching, getting as many answers as I could,” Kelly told the Minnesota Star Tribune. “And then I realized I’m not done. I still love this game.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell echoed that sentiment, praising Kelly’s passion and prowess. “Ryan Kelly loves playing football,” O’Connell said. “He’s been really darn good at it for a long time and is itching to get back out there.”
Kelly’s return to practice began on November 12, starting limited before ramping up to full participation this week. His activation on Saturday sets the stage for a pivotal NFC North clash against the Packers, a rivalry steeped in history where the Vikings have shown they can compete. Recent matchups include a pair of wins in 2024, with Minnesota edging Green Bay 27-25 at home on December 29 and 31-29 on the road on September 29. With seven games left on the schedule, including this Sunday’s tilt at 1:00 PM ET on FOX, Kelly’s presence could fortify an offensive line that’s struggled in his absence.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Vikings’ 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Starting strong with wins over the Bears and Bengals, they’ve stumbled to 4-6 after losses in five of their last six games, including a narrow 17-19 defeat to the Bears on November 16. The remaining slate includes tough tests against the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, and a rematch with the Packers. If Kelly can stay healthy and provide the protection quarterback needs, Minnesota’s offense—already capable of explosive performances like the 48-point outburst against Cincinnati—could rediscover its rhythm.
For a team fighting to salvage the season, Kelly’s return signals renewed determination. As the Vikings head into this crucial stretch, opponents beware: Minnesota just got a whole lot tougher in the trenches. The wait is over, and the NFC might be in for a dangerous surprise.