Jerick McKinnon, Kyle Rudolph active

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Jerick McKinnon has enjoyed plenty of success this season, and he hasn’t looked nearly as raw as we expected him to. He would be a bona fide fantasy option if the plodding Matt Asiata weren’t vulturing TDs at a high rate by hoarding goal-line touches, and McKinnon has looked electrifying at times. Once Adrian Peterson comes back, the Vikings offense will be even better, as AD will likely come back with a huge vengeance. That said, McKinnon has shown that he can be a legit back in this league, and he is averaging a healthy five yards per carry this season.

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According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Matt Vensel, both McKinnon and standout tight end Kyle Rudolph are active today against the rival Chicago Bears, and everyone expected both players to suit up. There was never any doubt regarding McKinnon’s status, as he was only added to the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant with a new lower back injury, but that was never expected to be an issue, with head coach Mike Zimmer later confirming that to reporters.

Rudolph’s return to the starting lineup isn’t a surprise, and it seems like they always picked out the big rivalry game after the bye as his return date. The Vikings are the favorites against the downtrodden Chicago Bears, and Rudolph’s return will be huge for rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who will have a very good safety valve at TE on his hands.