Rudolph had one reception for an 11-yard touchdown on two targets in Sunday's win over the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

It was encouraging that Cousin's looked to Rudolph in the red zone. However, it was a little worrisome that Minnesota's other tight ends (David Morgan and Tyler Conklin) equaled his target share. He should get more work in the future, but after one week Cousin's previous strong rapport with tight ends didn't mean a huge target share.

Rudolph told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he felt great during training camp and the preseason following ankle surgery in February. "This entire training camp, I have honestly felt like I'm in the best shape I have ever been in and moving as well as I have since I was 19 years old," Rudolph said.

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings are heading into Week 1 with a group of skill-position players that appears to be completely healthy, and with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm, the offense is positioned to be a top-10 scoring unit for the second consecutive season after it returned to that level a year ago for the first time since 2009. Rudolph is consistently among the first 10 tight ends off the board in drafts this season thanks to his role as the third weapon in the passing game behind top wideouts Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

Rudolph may spend more time in the slot or out wide under new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, Matthew Coller of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeFillipo spent last season as the quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia, where TE Zach Ertz lined up all over the formation en route to the most productive season of his career. Rudolph himself is no stranger to the slot, but he hasn't seen much work as an outside receiver, a spot where he can get favorable matchups in the red zone against smaller cornerbacks. While starting wideouts Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen remain the better bets for heavy target volume, Rudolph also has a chance to benefit from the offseason additions of DeFilippo and quarterback Kirk Cousins. The 28-year-old tight end has made a full recovery from February ankle surgery, participating in 11-on-11 work since early-to-mid June.

Rudolph took part in 11-on-11 red-zone work during June minicamp, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bouncing back from February ankle surgery, Rudolph apparently had Kirk Cousins' full attention near the end zone, something that likely will translate into the regular season. The 28-year-old tight end previously took part in team drills at OTAs in early June, and he seems to be on track for full participation at the start of training camp.

Rudolph (ankle) participated in team drills during Tuesday's OTA session, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings weren't banking on Rudolph seeing the field much during spring drills after he underwent surgery in February to address a severe right ankle sprain, but the 28-year-old has apparently progressed quicker than expected from the procedure. It likely won't be until training camp that Rudolph is completely freed of restrictions during practices, but the added reps in the spring should prove helpful as he looks to gain familiarity with a new quarterback (Kirk Cousins) and offensive coordinator (John DeFilippo).

Rudolph (ankle) worked on the rehab field during Wednesday's OTA session, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph took part in spring drills on a limited basis, but another month of rest and rehab hasn't gotten him to full health at this point. Once he does rejoin the mix, Rudolph will look to develop a rapport with the club's new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who signed a three-year deal in the offseason. It's quite possible Rudolph will remain limited during the offseason program, but a return for the start of training camp could be in the cards.

Rudolph (ankle) said he's participating in spring drills on a limited basis, Chris Tomasson of The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph played through an ankle injury from Week 14 through the NFC championship game, but then had surgery in mid-to-late February. He transitioned from a cast to a walking boot in early March, apparently making good progress in the subsequent weeks. While he may be limited throughout the offseason program, Rudolph seems to be on track for full participation at the start of training camp, if not sooner. His presence at voluntary workouts should help him build relationships with new quarterback Kirk Cousins and new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo.

Rudolph (ankle) has ditched a cast for a walking boot, as of Friday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph was hampered by a right ankle injury in the latter stages of the 2017 campaign and into the playoffs, but he didn't miss a game as he helped the Vikings to the NFC championship game. Entering his age-29 season, he'll look to uphold his standing as a red-zone beast, with 15 touchdowns to his name among his 140 receptions the past two years. Once his recovery is complete, Rudolph could be working with a new signal caller due to the decisions made by the Vikings' front office in the coming weeks.

Rudolph is recovering from surgery on his right ankle, Andrew Krammer of The Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph suffered the injury Week 14 and averaged only 29 snaps over the final three games of the regular season, but he returned to a full workload in two playoff appearances, albeit as something less than the best version of himself. Though he doesn't sound too worried about the recent surgery, Rudolph likely will be limited or absent when the Vikings begin offseason workouts in mid-April. He may have a quarterback upgrade heading his way, as Minnesota can make a strong argument that it offers Kirk Cousins his best shot to win a Super Bowl. Regardless, the circumstances that led to Rudolph's career-high marks for catches (83), yards (840) and targets (132) in 2016 appear to have been an aberration. He's never topped 57 catches (2017), 532 yards (2017) or 93 targets (2012) in any other campaign.

Rudolph caught one of four targets for a 25-yard touchdown in Sunday's 38-7 loss to the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

Rudolph capped off his team's opening drive with a 25-yard TD grab, but he was shut out the rest of the way as his team was handled comprehensively. He enjoyed a strong regular season that saw him catch a career-high eight touchdown passes, but he managed just 36 yards and a score in two playoff games. Nevertheless, Rudolph should remain an integral part of the passing game for Minnesota next season, regardless of who their starting quarterback turns out to be.