The Minnesota Vikings are treading water in the NFC Playoff picture. Quarterback JJ McCarthy is struggling with accuracy and failing to lead the offense. While far from elimination, they are the current 11th seed in the conference and are three games behind the final Wild Card spot. Sitting at 4-6, the Vikings desperately need a win on Sunday to climb closer to .500 and save their season against the division rival Green Bay Packers. Thankfully, the Vikings are getting a key cog back to their offensive line this weekend to help block Micah Parsons and rest of the Packers' pass rush.
On Saturday, Minnesota announced that starting center Ryan Kelly is being activated from injured reserve with no injury designation.
Minnesota opened Kelly's 21-day practice window last week. He was a full participant in Friday's practice, resulting in his activation. Returning in Week 12, it marks the end of a six-game absence for Kelly, who has not suited up since Week 4 after suffering multiple concussions to start the season.
Kelly is set to reclaim the starting center job from Blake Brandel, who posted a slightly above-average 60 offensive grade in relief, according to Pro Football Focus. Sunday will also be the first time McCarthy and Kelly have played together since Week 2. With the quarterback and center tandem sharing the field, the Vikings won their season-opener against the Chicago Bears. Shortly after, McCaffrey went down with an injury in Week 2 vs. the Atlanta Falcons, leaving Kelly to block for backup Carson Wentz.
In four games, Kelly has yet to allow a pressure in 62 pass-blocking opportunities and possesses the sixth-highest pass-blocking grade among centers with at least 60 snaps this season, according to PFF.
