Rudolph caught his only target for four yards during Sunday's 28-10 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

For the second week in a row, Rudolph only saw one ball thrown his way. He seemingly has only a minor role in Minnesota's run-heavy offense, which yielded just 27 pass attempts in this one. Rudolph is not a viable fantasy option as things currently stand and should be avoided in next Sunday's matchup against the Eagles.

Rudolph caught his only target for 12 yards during Sunday's 16-6 loss to the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

In four games this season, Rudolph has been targeted just once on three occasions. The veteran tight end played 52 of 62 possible snaps on offense, but he was mostly utilized as a blocker. It appears as though Rudolph is becoming marginalized in Minnesota's aerial attack, though he still carries some fantasy value as a potential red-zone target.

Rudolph had one reception for 11 yards on his lone target in Sunday's win over Oakland.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph played on 54 of the offense's 62 snaps, but went out for a pass on just 18 plays, according to Pro Football Focus. Irv Smith, Jr. played on 31 snaps and had three receptions for 60 yards on three targets. Given that Smith is developing in the offense at tight end and Rudolph isn't getting many quality targets, it's hard to see Rudolph as anything more than a red-zone long shot each week.

Rudolph had three receptions for nine yards on five targets in Sunday's loss at Green Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph played on all the offense's snaps for a second consecutive week, but wasn't a big part of the game plan on offense as he was rarely the primary receiver. Irv Smith, Jr. played on about half of the offense's snaps and had two targets. Given both tight ends are getting on the field and Rudolph isn't getting many quality targets, it's hard to see Rudolph as anything more than a red-zone long shot each week.

Rudolph didn't have a reception nor was he targeted in Sunday's win over Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph did play all of the offense's 53 snaps while Irv Smith played 26. While Rudolph's role in the offense could decline with Smith added to the roster, it's hard to take too much away from a game where the Vikings dominated on the ground and only needed to throw 10 passes.

Rudolph caught his lone target for 11 yards in Sunday's preseason win over the Seahawks.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph was out there with the first-team offense for the second week in a row, so he should still be considered the starting tight end even with second-round pick Irv Smith Jr. (five catches for 28 yards and a touchdown) breathing down his neck. The veteran tight end's run-blocking ability may be what preserves his regular role, as he isn't much of a downfield threat in today's age of athletic tight ends.

Rudolph (leg) caught both his targets for 30 yards during Friday's preseason opener against the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph, who dealt with a leg injury recently, displayed no clear signs of the issue as he finished fourth on the team in receiving yardage. He did all his damage on the opening drive, contributing catches of 10 and 20 yards to propel his team toward the opening touchdown. Rudolph appears to be over his ailment and should play more in next Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks, barring any sort of setback.

Rudolph (leg) participated in Tuesday's padded practice, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

On the heels of missing three consecutive sessions with an undisclosed "minor" injury, Rudolph was spotted Tuesday with a sleeve on his right leg, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. It's unclear if Rudolph managed a full practice, but he's clearly working his way through whatever has been nagging him. Considering his veteran status and current health concern, the Vikings likely will be prudent and hold him out of Friday's preseason opener at New Orleans, which would allow young tight ends Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin to get valuable in-game reps.

Coach Mike Zimmer said Rudolph is tending to a "minor" injury, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph's absence Monday marks his third in a row from drills, but at least Zimmer addressed the reason for yet another DNP. The Vikings' first preseason game is Friday in New Orleans, so it wouldn't surprise if the team takes a cautious approach with the veteran tight end and holds him out. After all, Rudolph has averaged 68 catches (on 98 targets) for 669 yards and 6.3 touchdowns per season over the last three seasons.

Rudolph has agreed to a four-year, $36 million extension with the Vikings, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph and the Vikings have been hammering out the specifics of the extension over the past two months and have finally reached an agreement. Rudolph has spent his entire eight-year career in Minnesota, totaling 386 receptions for 3,787 yards and 41 touchdowns in 112 career games. In 2018, Rudolph was third on the team with 64 receptions for 634 yards and four touchdowns, clearly showing he remains one of the top fantasy tight ends in the game. The Vikings also drafted tight end Irv Smith in the second round of April's draft but it's clearly Rudolph's job for now -- and he won't be going anywhere for quite some time.