Vikings TE John Carlson plans to return in 2014. Carlson was considering retirement after suffering his third known NFL concussion last season. "It's a serious thing, but I'm not ready to be done," Carlson confirmed. Due $3.9 million in 2014, Carlson will return as the No. 2 tight end behind Kyle Rudolph.

Vikings GM Rick Spielman said he hasn't heard from TE John Carlson on whether he's made a decision to return for the 2014 season. Carlson suffered his third known NFL concussion this past season and is considering retirement. He appeared in 13 games (eight starts) before being placed on injured reserve, finishing with 32 catches, 344 yards, and one touchdown. Carlson is set to make $3.9 million if he decides to play in 2014 and would return as the No. 2 tight end behind Kyle Rudolph.

Vikings placed TE John Carlson on injured reserve with a concussion, ending his season. Carlson suffered his third known NFL concussion in Week 14 and will be shut down with just two games remaining. He took on an expanded role in the second-half of the season with Kyle Rudolph (foot, I.R.) sidelined, making eight starts and finishing with 32 catches, 344 yards, and one touchdown. Carlson is believed to be considering retirement due to his lengthy concussion history. He's currently signed through 2016.

John Carlson (concussion) is listed as doubtful for Week 16. Carlson won't play against the Bengals and is considering retirement.

John Carlson said he and his wife will discuss his lengthy concussion history after the season, and retirement might be an option. Two weeks ago in Baltimore, Carlson suffered his third known NFL concussion. He had two more documented while at Notre Dame. Carlson indicated there have been others. "It's a serious issue and it's not something that I'm ignoring," he said. Carlson had been cleared from his latest concussion on Wednesday, but symptoms resurfaced Thursday. He may be done for the season.

John Carlson was held out of Thursday's practice after his concussion symptoms resurfaced. It's troubling news for a player with a lengthy concussion history. Carlson is almost certainly going to sit out against the Bengals, and is quite likely done for the season. Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford are next up on the depth chart.

John Carlson (concussion) has been cleared to play. Carlson is ready to resume starting tight end duties with Kyle Rudolph (foot) on injured reserve. He'll be a low-end TE2 in a tough matchup at Cincy.

Vikings TE John Carlson (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 15. The Vikings will turn to some combo of Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford.

John Carlson (concussion) remained out of Vikings practice Thursday. Carlson appears unlikely to gain clearance for Sunday's game against the Eagles. We should get final word on Friday. Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford will split tight-end duties if Carlson sits.

John Carlson (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. Carlson was concussed in Sunday's loss to the Ravens. He'll be in a race to get cleared for Week 15 against the Eagles. If Carlson can't go, Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford will handle tight end duties for Minnesota.