Kyle Rudolph TE FA Sun 12/17/17 6:53 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) caught both of his targets for 17 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Bengals.
EDGE Analysis
Rudolph was listed as doubtful heading into this contest, and clearly operated at less than 100 percent. Nonetheless, the red-zone reindeer was able to score his fifth touchdown in four weeks on a one-yard reception early in the fourth quarter. Rudolph's nose for the end zone makes him an appealing play down the stretch, but owners planning on utilizing the tight end for Saturday's divisional clash in Green Bay should monitor his health throughout the week.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Sun 12/17/17 11:33 AM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
After Rudolph missed his third consecutive practice Friday, it appeared it was a foregone conclusion that the tight end would miss his first game of the season, with the Vikings initially labeling him as out before upgrading him to doubtful. Rudolph then went through a workout Saturday and was subsequently upgraded to questionable, setting the stage for him to surprisingly suit up in Week 15 after going through pregame warmups Sunday without any apparent issues. Though he'll likely be playing through pain in the contest, Rudolph should still see the bulk of the snaps at tight end and represent a go-to target for quarterback Case Keenum in the red zone. Fantasy owners who have benefited from Rudolph's four touchdowns over the past three weeks probably won't be able to resist starting him Sunday against an injury-ravaged Bengals defense.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Sun 12/17/17 2:13 AM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Bengals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rudolph was originally designated as doubtful on the official injury report for Sunday's contest after being unable to practice throughout the week, but was upgraded to questionable on Saturday. Still, fantasy players will want to check his status before Sunday's game.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Sat 12/16/17 12:53 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) has seen his status upgraded to questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rudolph was originally designated as doubtful for Sunday's contest after being unable to practice throughout the week, but he appears to be making a quick turnaround. Still, he will need to show more improvement prior to game-time in order to ultimately suit up. Blocking specialist David Morgan remains in line to start at tight end should Rudolph be unable to go. The Notre Dame product's final status is unlikely to be confirmed until closer to kickoff.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Fri 12/15/17 2:06 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Updating a previous report, Rudolph (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
EDGE Analysis
After Rudolph failed to practice in any capacity this week, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Friday that the tight end won't be able to play. The team nonetheless listed Rudolph as 'doubtful' rather than 'out', leaving the door slightly open in case he makes a miraculous recovery over the weekend. With Blake Bell (shoulder) placed on injured reserve, blocking specialist David Morgan is expected to start Sunday's game versus Cincinnati. Case Keenum likely will adapt by directing the vast majority of his passes to wideouts and running backs.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Fri 12/15/17 1:28 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Cincinnati, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rudolph was spotted in a walking boot after Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Panthers and wasn't able to practice in any capacity this week. His inability to manage even a single limited session hints that he's no lock to make it back for Week 16 in Green Bay. With Blake Bell (shoulder) headed for injured reserve, David Morgan is expected to serve as the Vikings' top tight end Sunday against the Bengals. Given that Morgan has caught just six passes in 24 career games, Case Keenum may target Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs even more than usual -- particularly in the red zone where Rudolph thrives.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Fri 12/15/17 12:21 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) did not suit up for Friday's practice, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rudolph did not practice at all this week as a result of the ankle injury he suffered in Week 14, so his odds of playing in Sunday's game against the Bengals are not promising. The Vikings will reveal whether or not he has any chance to play Sunday after Friday's practice comes to a close; and if he is unable to go, David Morgan would get the start in Rudolph's place.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Thu 12/14/17 12:36 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) isn't taking part in practice Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
EDGE Analysis
With Rudolph opening Week 15 preparations with two straight absences from practice, the tight end is looking highly questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Given that he was fitted for a walking boot following the Week 14 loss to the Panthers, it wouldn't be too surprising if Rudolph was sidelined for the first time all season. In that scenario, David Morgan (concussion) and Blake Bell (shoulder) could share the snaps at tight end, assuming both are cleared of their respective injuries.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Wed 12/13/17 3:10 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph (ankle) didn't take part in practice Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
EDGE Analysis
Considering he emerged from the locker room Sunday in Carolina with a walking boot on his foot, Rudolph's absence isn't much of a surprise. He'll have two more chances to make his presence felt this week, which will sway his listing on Friday's injury report. Rudolph's direct backup, David Morgan, remains in the concussion protocol. If both are held out Sunday, Blake Bell will take on primary tight-end duties.
Kyle Rudolph TE FA Mon 12/11/17 1:08 PM
Kyle Rudolph
TE FA
Rudolph left the locker room after Sunday's loss at Carolina in a walking boot, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.
EDGE Analysis
Rudolph played the entire game Sunday and didn't appear to have suffered an injury. There are no specifics on his injury from this report. The boot may be precautionary, but his status is worth monitoring this week in practice.