The 2-2 Minnesota Vikings are set to play without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy when they take on the 1-3 Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in London, England. The Vikings revealed another injury blow on Saturday afternoon, which will complicate things for backup quarterback Carson Wentz, set to make his third consecutive start.
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Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Vikings are placing center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve due to a concussion. It’s the second conclusion Kelly has sustained in three weeks.
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“The Vikings are placing center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve as he recovers from his second concussion in three weeks, per sources,” Pelissero posted on X. “Kelly will miss at least four games. Another blow to Minnesota’s offensive line, which will be down two other starters Sunday vs. Cleveland.”
Minnesota will also be without left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), right tackle Brian O’Neill (knee) and backup center Michael Jurgens (hamstring) against Cleveland.
Per the Vikings’ website, offensive guard Blake Brandel is set to start at center in Week 5. He’s started in 23 games since Minnesota selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. He’s played at left guard, right guard, and left tackle, but has not played center in the NFL.
Earlier this week, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said he believes Brandel’s flexibility will help him adapt to the new position against a tough Browns defensive line.
“You’ve got a guy that knows the system inside and out,” O’Connell said. “Then it’s just about the rest of the four guys being able to operate, you know, with some kind of togetherness. The group has to work five as one, not individual guys.”
Having to use a third-string center is never ideal, but it’ll be an extra complication for the Vikings in the next few games with a backup quarterback. If McCarthy is available to play in Week 7, he’ll make his third career start behind a center making his second start at the position.
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