The Minnesota Vikings announced a flurry of roster moves on Saturday, including that they are placing starting center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve due to two concussions, one of which sidelined him for the team’s Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kelly must now miss at least four games. He is out against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5. The earliest that he can return is in Week 11 at home against the Chicago Bears.
The Vikings made several other moves on Saturday, including welcoming a Pro Bowler back.
Vikings Replace Ryan Kelly With Former UDFA
GettyFormer Indianapolis Colts C Ryan Kelly #78 looks on against the Detroit Lions.
The Vikings signed Kelly to a two-year, $18 million contract in free agency this past offseason, and the former Indianapolis Colts pivot was supposed to anchor a revamped offensive line. But concussion issues have been a persistent threat to his career.
In his absence, the Vikings signed former undrafted free agent Vershon Lee to their 53-man roster. Lee has never played in an NFL game.
He will operate behind Blake Brandel, who has never played center.
The Vikings also elevated another former UDFA in Henry Byrd to bolster their offensive line, where left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist, IR) and right tackle Brian O’Neill (MCL) are also sidelined.
Vikings Activate Pro Bowl FB C.J. Ham
With Kelly going on IR, the Vikings had an open roster spot, but they quickly filled that by activating fullback C.J. Ham. A two-time Pro Bowler and one of the few true fullbacks left in the NFL, Ham was on IR with a knee injury.
The ninth-year pro began practicing in September, and this decision falls within the 21-day practice window the Vikings had to activate him to the 53-man roster.
Ham notably has more receiving yards (670) than rushing (114) in his career.
In addition to his blocking, Ham is also a trusted option in the red zone, with 6 career touchdowns despite his limited touches per game. Getting him back could boost the Vikings’ run game, which is also in flux amid a rash of injuries across the roster.
Vikings Call-Up Super Bowl Champion RB
GettyPJ Jules #37 of the Cincinnati Bengals tackles Cam Akers #31 of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are without starting tailback Aaron Jones, who is on IR with a hamstring issue. They are starting offseason trade pickup Jordan Mason in Jones’ stead, but the Vikings needed to beef up their backfield behind him before facing the Browns.
The Vikings called up running back Cam Akers, who won a Super Bowl in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams and is on his third stint with the team.
This will mark the third and final time Akers can be called up this season.
The Vikings must sign him to their active roster if they want to use him again after this. Jones is set to miss his third game and cannot return until Week 8 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers at the earliest.
In addition to Akers, the Vikings have also turned to former undrafted free agent Zavier Scott in the backfield behind Mason.
Vikings Part Ways With QB Before Browns Game
GettyDesmond Ridder #4 of the Cincinnati Bengals scrambles against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Vikings also shook up their quarterback room amid their roster moves on Saturday before taking on the Browns in London on Sunday. They waived former Atlanta Falcons third-round draft pick and quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Ridder signed with the Vikings in mid-September. He has also spent time with the Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders.
The Vikings still have rookie UDFA Max Brosmer behind current starter Carson Wentz.
Moreover, Ridder’s release from the Vikings’ roster could be a positive indication that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is closer to returning than not, despite reports on Saturday indicating he could miss more time than initially expected.
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