EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings designated center Ryan Kelly for return from injured reserve by opening his practice window on Wednesday, a significant step forward in their careful approach to the 10th-year veteran’s concussion history.

“He’s got this infectious wise-man energy to him. Everyone just feels a lot more comfortable when he’s around in pads, suited up,” quarterback J.J. McCarthy said. “He’s one of the leaders of this team.”

The Vikings have three weeks to evaluate Kelly before they must decide whether to activate him or shut him down for the remainder of the season. Coach Kevin O’Connell, who made the cautious decision to place Kelly on injured reserve five games ago, said he handled his recent workouts well enough to justify the next step in the recovery process.

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