Rudolph will need surgery on his groin injury and will be out about six weeks, NFL.com reports. Rudolph had an MRI after Sunday's game and apparently it showed significant damage. The Vikings don't have a clear receiving option at tight end with Rudolph out as Rhett Ellison is more of a blocker. MarQueis Gray could now have a larger role. Chase Ford may be called up from the practice squad as a result. The Vikings may use more three- and four-receiver sets as a result.

Rudolph will undergo an MRI on his groin Monday, Albert Breer of NFL.com reports. The MRI should help determine the severity of the groin strain for Rudolph, who exited Sunday's game with the injury in the fourth quarter. The ailment puts his status in question for the Vikings' Week 4 matchup against the Falcons, leaving Rhett Ellison on standby to start if Rudolph is unable to go.

Rudolph sustained a groin injury and is questionable to return in Sunday's game against the Saints. Rudolph had three catches for 27 yards prior to departing in the fourth quarter. If he fails to return before Sunday's game concludes, the Vikings should update his condition after the contest.

Rudolph (abdomen) is active for Sunday's game against the Saints. The abdominal injury wasn't announced until after last week's game against the Patriots, so it's probably safe to assume it wasn't an ailment that was overly problematic for Rudolph, who practiced in a limited capacity all week. He's reeled in seven passes (12 targets) for 69 yards and a touchdown through the Vikings' first two games.

Updating a previous report, Rudolph (abdomen) was listed as questionable on the Vikings web site in error, as Rudolph is actually probable for Sunday's game against New Orleans, 1500ESPN's Andrew Krammer reports. Rudolph looked likely to play all along given that he practiced in a limited capacity all week, but it's reassuring to see his status clarified as probable rather than questionable. Rudolph's owners can use him as they normally would.

Rudolph (abdomen) is questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans. Rudolph practiced all week in a limited capacity, but he's evidently legitimately hobbled by the abdomen injury. Luckily for Rudolph's owners, the Vikings have an early kickoff Sunday.

Rudolph (abdomen) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. Rudolph has participated in practice two consecutive days, although limited both times, so at this point he still seems likely to play Sunday.

Rudolph (abdomen) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports. No injury was reported for Rudolph after Sunday's game, so we can only assume the ailment is minor at this point. However, check his status in practice later this week.

Rudolph had five receptions for 53 yards in Sunday's loss to New England. He was targeted eight times. Rudolph led the team in targets and showed he'll be a top option in the passing game. However, he'll need better quarterback play (Matt Cassel struggled with four interceptions) to become a top fantasy option at tight end.

Rudolph had two receptions for 16 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown, in Sunday's win over St. Louis. Rudolph was targeted just four times as the Vikings focused on the run after getting out to an early large lead. Rudolph showed he'll be a force in the red zone and should see more balls thrown his way when the passing offense is forced to do more.