Vikings’ Ryan Kelly ruled out, Christian Darrisaw questionable for Bengals game

The Vikings will be without another two starters during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and center Ryan Kelly were ruled out on Friday. McCarthy did not practice this week after suffering a sprained right ankle last week against the Falcons. McCarthy observed a portion of Friday’s practice closed to reporters.

“Standing right next to me as I’m calling the plays into Carson,” coach Kevin O’Connell said, referring to Sunday’s starter Carson Wentz. “That’s the best development and dialogue in this particular short term that he’s going to be able to have. ... We’re kind of through the initial wave of getting the swelling down.”

Kelly and left tackle Justin Skule, who started the first two games, returned to practice Friday, but remain in the concussion protocol and will not play. Center Michael Jurgens, a 2024 seventh-round pick, will make his first NFL start snapping to Wentz. The two have worked together with the second-team offense since Wentz arrived Aug. 24.

“His perspective has helped a lot,” Jurgens said of Wentz. “He’s a really, really strong communicator. I think it’s been a good week of practices.”

Four players are listed questionable: left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee), safety Harrison Smith (illness), outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion) and linebacker Austin Keys (groin).

Smith, 36, remained limited in practices while ramping up conditioning. He’s yet to log a full session since returning Sept. 6.

Darrisaw was asked after Friday’s practice if he felt ready to play yet.

“If I was ready, I’d be out there playing,” Darrisaw said. “We’ll see how I feel tomorrow and when Sunday comes.”

O’Connell has referenced Darrisaw’s comfort level as the team awaits his return. Darrisaw said he’s been adjusting to a bulky brace he’s worn throughout practices. He said he’ll keep the brace on whenever he returns to play.

“I’m comfortable,” Darrisaw said. “With the brace, it’s different. I haven’t worn that since college. I kind of got used to just being free. ... My knee’s just like reconditioning back to how I play. My stance is unique. Just really trying to get comfortable in that. Getting in and out of it really plays a big part.”

Darrisaw clarified he gets “really low to the ground and not everybody has that type of stance.”

“That’s life in the NFL,” right tackle Brian O’Neill said. “Ideally you’d play five linemen the entire year, right? But not many teams do that. Ours just happened a little earlier than we would’ve liked.”

For the Bengals, defensive end Shemar Stewart, the rookie first-round pick, has been ruled out due to an ankle injury; starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) is listed doubtful; another starting cornerback, D.J. Turner II (hamstring) is listed questionable.

Quarterback Max Brosmer will be one snap away from making his NFL debut on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The former Gophers passer has been elevated to the No. 2 role behind Wentz. Quarterback Desmond Ridder, the 2022 third-round pick who signed this week, will be the emergency No. 3 option.

“I’m very excited, but the mindset doesn’t change,” Brosmer said. “Whenever my time is called, I’m going to be ready to go and that’s what I’m prepared for.”

Brosmer, who signed as an undrafted free agent in May and earned a roster spot in training camp, said he’s grown further in the month with Wentz, a 10th-year veteran who has shown Brosmer different ways to prepare.

“If you look at it like you’re counting down the snaps, you’re probably focused on the wrong thing,” Brosmer said. “As long as you’re in the moment and you prepare like you should, and you’re trusting your guys, all the weight comes off your shoulders.”

Wentz will likely become the 13th different quarterback to throw a pass to T.J. Hockenson in the tight end’s seven-year NFL career.

So when Hockenson said this has been a “normal game week,” there’s reason to believe him, despite the injury upheaval hitting the Vikings in September. Hockenson said Wentz’s experience has helped coaches quickly formulate a game plan this week with concepts that he’s comfortable running from experiences with the Eagles, Colts, Commanders, Rams and Chiefs.

“He likes some things that we have in our offense,” Hockenson said, “so bringing those into the game plan, letting him play fast and letting us play fast.”

Through two weeks, the NFL has seen its highest kick return rate since 2009. Teams have returned about 77% of kickoffs so far, up from 30% through Week 2 last season.

Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said the Vikings are pushing for better production in the return game. Their average starting field position was just the 24-yard line after returning six kickoffs against Atlanta.

“It’s really a big difference,” Daniels said. “The direction of the kick, where you’re trying to place it at. Body types, some teams are stacking heavy bodies to the kick side, speed bodies to the back side or vice versa. You’re really trying to play this game within a game from a matchup standpoint.”