Kyle Rudolph practices, seems to be getting close

Minnesota Vikings standout tight end Kyle Rudolph was tabbed to have a breakout year in 2014 with TE-friendly offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who helped coax a big year out of Jordan Cameron and other tight ends throughout his career in this league. Rudolph, however, hasn’t been able to shine, as he has been out since Week 3 with a groin injury (he missed half of the 2013 season). Once Rudolph returns, he is expected to give the Vikings offense a significant boost that they could definitely use, as he would figure to be a really nice safety blanket for solid rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who has proven that he can move an offense.

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According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Master Tesfatsion, Rudolph was able to practice today, and the 25-year-old Notre Dame is getting closer to game action. It’s been a few weeks since Week 11 was named as the targeted return date for the talented TE, and we have every reason to believe that he should be able to play. As Tesfatsion stated, it looks like he’s “on track”, and he certainly has a favorable matchup lined up against the woeful Chicago Bears defense, who got trampled by Rob Gronkowski a few weeks ago.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer didn’t tip anything when talking about Rudolph’s injury and progression at practice today, but it’s clear to me that he’s doing more and should be expected to get back on the field after getting some more rest through the Week 10 bye. It is, of course, common practice for team’s to bring back key players after resting them through the bye week, so a Week 11 return has always been ideal.