Rudolph had three catches for 42 yards Saturday as Minnesota fell in a wild-card showdown at Green Bay.

Analysis: Rudolph tied for the team lead in receptions on a day in which quarterback Joe Webb, thrown into the spotlight with Christian Ponder (triceps) deemed inactive mere hours before kickoff, completed just 11-of-30 passes. On the season, Rudolph saw less than three targets just three times, while he was…read more

Rudolph (shoulder) had three receptions for 39 yards, including a three-yard touchdown, in Sunday's win over Houston.

Analysis: Rudolph was targeted six times, the second most on the team. He now has nine touchdowns, as he's quarterback Christian Ponder's favorite red-zone target.

Texans weak vs. TEs

In his Week 16 "Start 'Em, Sit 'Em" analysis, Michael Fabiano notes, "The Texans have allowed nine touchdowns (tied for second-most) and the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends." FULL START 'EM, SIT 'EM

Analysis: Rudolph has disappeared in the last two weeks, but owners in need of a tight end could do worse based on the matchup.

Rudolph (shoulder) had three receptions for 22 yards in Sunday's win over St. Louis. He was targeted four times.

Analysis: Rudolph rebounded after he failed to make a catch last week, but he wasn't targeted in the red zone. He remains Christian Ponder's favorite target, but his fantasy value is hit or miss based on his touchdowns since Minnesota's passing game isn't exactly prolific.

Rudolph (shoulder) will play Sunday at St. Louis.

Analysis: Rudolph, who is looking to bounce back after hauling in no receptions in Week 14, is taking on a Rams defense that has held tight ends in check throughout the season. However, he has been a reliable red-zone target for the struggling Christian Ponder, accumulating eight touchdown receptions in 2012.

Rudolph (shoulder) is probable for Sunday's game against St. Louis, Vikings.com reports.

Analysis: Although his aggregate numbers on the year (412 yards, eight touchdowns) are decent, Rudolph's maddening week-to-week inconsistency makes him no more than a low-end TE1 in most cases.

Rudolph (shoulder) was a full participant at Friday's practice and is listed as probable against St. Louis, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.

Analysis: He'd been limited the first two days of practice, but he should be safe to start since he fully practiced Friday. He didn't have a catch last week as Christian Ponder struggled. However, Rudolph always remains a red zone threat as Ponder's favorite target.

Rudolph (shoulder) was limited at practice again Thursday, the Vikings' official site reports.

Analysis: Rudolph was limited last Wednesday and Thursday as well, before practicing fully and being listed as probable Friday. Don't be surprised if that pattern is duplicated in Week 15.

Rudolph (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Rudolph was limited in practice last week due to a shoulder injury but was able to play. He didn't have a catch in the game, but that was mostly due to Christian Ponder's struggles rather than an injury. It's unlikely he had a setback since he was able to practice.

Rudolph (shoulder) did not catch a pass in Sunday's win over Chicago.

Analysis: He was targeted twice, but his Week 14 dud was obviously not what Rudolph's owners were expecting, given that he had averaged six catches a game in his previous three contests. That siad, he's a bounce-back candidate Sunday against the Rams for those who haven't sworn him off, given coach Leslie…read more

Kyle Rudolph: (Shoulder) Active Sunday

Rudolph (shoulder) is active for Sunday's contest versus Chicago.

Analysis: Rudolph will continue to be Minnesota's No. 1 pass-catching threat, due to Percy Harvin's (ankle) placement on injured reserve this week. With Harvin out of the lineup the previous three games, Rudolph racked up 18 receptions (on 26 targets) for 170 yards and three touchdowns, including the…read more

Rudolph (shoulder) fully practiced Friday and is listed as probable this week against Chicago.

Analysis: He was limited in practice the first two days of the week, but looks set to start since he was back to full speed on Friday.

Rudolph (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Thursday, the Vikings' official site reports.

Analysis: This marks the second consecutive day that Rudolph has been held back in practice. However, he built himself up to full participation by last Friday's injury report, so we're not especially concerned with his current ailment. We'll make sure to clarify his status as Sunday's tilt against the Bears…read more

Harvin to I.R.

The Vikings placed Harvin on injured reserve Wednesday with an ankle injury that never recovered. Reports suggested that Harvin suffered a ligament tear. FULL REPORT

Analysis: Harvin caught 62 passes for 677 yards in nine games for one of the worst passing attacks in the league before hurting his ankle against the Seahawks on November 4. Kyle Rudolph becomes the Vikings top passing threat, notching no less than 11.10 points his last three games in Harvin's absence.

Rudolph (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, 1500 AM ESPN Twin Cites reports.

Analysis: Rudolph has been heavily targeted the past three weeks, despite the threat of a concussion keeping him out in Week 13. During that span, he's accumulated 18 receptions for 170 yards and three touchdowns, making him one of the prime tight ends to own as owners enter their fantasy playoffs. However,…read more

Rudolph (shoulder) had six catches on eight targets for 51 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Packers.

Analysis: Despite quarterback Christian Ponder continuing to struggle, Rudolph has scored a touchdown in three straight games, eclipsing 50 receiving yards in each contest. Through 13 weeks, only the Patriots' Rob Gronkowski has more touchdowns from the tight end position as Rudolph.

Kyle Rudolph: (Shoulder/Concussion) Active

Rudolph (shoulder/concussion) is active for Sunday's contest at Green Bay.

Analysis: Rudolph was cleared of any concussion symptoms Monday, but a strained shoulder kept him limited until Friday, when he practiced fully. His injuries aside, Rudolph has 12 receptions (on 18 targets) for 119 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games, output which he may not repeat against a…read more

Rudolph (shoulder/concussion) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is listed as probable against Green Bay.

Analysis: Rudolph didn't practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday, but now looks back to full speed. He passed concussion tests Monday, so he should be set to start against the Packers.

Rudolph (shoulder/concussion) was limited at practice Thursday, the Vikings' official site reports.

Analysis: Rudolph has passed all his concussion tests and noted Wednesday that his shoulder issue shouldn't keep him from playing Sunday against the Packers, a notion bolstered by his practice participation Thursday.

Rudolph did not practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury and concussion, the team's official web site reports.

Analysis: He left Sunday's game due to what at the time was reported as a possible concussion. He reportedly passed concussion tests on Monday but "concussion" is still listed as one of his two ailments on the injury report. At this point it's hard to say how severe either ailment may be.

Rudolph has been cleared of any concussion issues, but has a strained shoulder, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: He left Sunday's game with a potential concussion and underwent mandatory concussion tests. We'll have to see how much he's able to practice the next few days.

Rudolph (concussion) will undergo the league's mandatory concussion protocol throughout the week, Ben Goessling of the Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Rudolph left Sunday's contest after a vicious hit from Bears linebacker Lance Briggs in the fourth quarter. Rudolph has had a touchdown and nine targets in each of his last two games. If Rudolph is unable to play, John Carlson will be the main beneficiary in his absence and start at tight end.

Rudolph left Sunday's game at Chicago in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a potential concussion, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Rudolph left the game as the Vikings' leading receiver with 55 yards and the team's sole touchdown. His return to action is questionable, but he will likely be held out the remainder of the game as a precaution. Continue to watch his status going forward as he is likely to a borderline start in the…read more

Rudolph had seven catches on nine targets for 64 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Lions.

Analysis: Rudolph was a major beneficiary of Percy Harvin's absence due to injury, leading the Vikings in receptions and targets. The tight end had gone three straight games without more than three catches but unfortunately fantasy owners will have to wait to see if he's turned a corner, as the Vikings hit…read more

Rudolph did not have a catch and was targeted just twice in Sunday's loss at Seattle.

Analysis: Quarterback Christian Ponder's slump the last three games has made Rudolph almost non-existent in the passing game. Rudolph has just two receptions and was targeted just four times the past three games. At least the Vikings have an easier matchup at home against Detroit next week, but fantasy…read more

Rudolph had two receptions for 17 yards and was targeted just twice in Thursday's loss to Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Rudolph didn't have catch last week as he wasn't even targeted and then had a second dissappointing week as Christian Ponder has struggled the past three games (with five interceptions in that span). Rudolph should remain a factor in the red zone even if the overall passing game struggles, but the…read more

Rudolph was targeted four times but didn't have a reception in Sunday's win over Arizona.

Analysis: Christian Ponder threw for just 58 yards as the passing game struggled, so at least Rudolph's unproductive game wasn't due to him falling out of the game plan on offense. Rudolph's four targets were second on the team.

Rudolph had six catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, as well as a two-point conversion Sunday against the Redskins.

Analysis: While the yardage numbers haven't been that high this season, Rudolph has scored five touchdowns in the last five games. Quarterback Christian Ponder clearly likes to look Rudolph's way near the goal-line, which should keep him fantasy relevant for awhile.

Rudolph had four receptions for 23 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown, in Sunday's win over Tennessee.

Analysis: Rudolph remains Christian Ponder's favorite target in the red zone as it was his fourth touchdown. Rudolph was also second on the team with seven targets.

Rudolph had just two receptions for eight yards in Sunday's win over Detroit.

Analysis: Minnesota's passing game never seemed to get on track as the Vikings focused on running the ball. Rudolph still had the second most targets on the team, which is a sign he should bounce back from this performance.

Rudolph (thigh) is active for Sunday's contest at Detroit.

Analysis: Rudolph progressed nicely through a sore thigh this week, meaning he should resume his role as Christian Ponder's No. 1 red-zone target.

Rudolph (thigh) was a full participant in practice Friday and is listed as probable against Detroit, the team's official web site reports.

Analysis: Rudolph missed Wednesday's practice (likely just for rest) and was limited Thursday, but his return to full practice Friday shows this injury shouldn't be any concern.

Rudolph (thigh) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.

Analysis: He missed Wednesday's practice, so this is a good sign. We assume this injury is minor since he played a full game last week, but we'll want to see him practice again Friday.

Kyle Rudolph: Misses Practice With Sore Thigh

Rudolph will not practice Wednesday due to a sore thigh, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.

Analysis: It sounds like he's just getting a day off since he played a full game last week. However, make sure he returns to practice this week.

Rudolph had five catches for 36 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the 49ers.

Analysis: Rudolph now has three touchdowns in the last two games and has become quarterback Christian Ponder's favorite target in the red zone. He may not get a ton of targets each game but as long as they come close to the end zone, fantasy owners will be happy.

Rudolph had three receptions for 35 yards, including a six-yard touchdown, in Sunday's loss to Indianapolis.

Analysis: Rudolph continues to be a top target in the Minnesota passing game as he was targeted five times (third on the team). He also was targeted for another touchdown pass at the goal line that was tipped and landed in Stephen Burton's hands.

Rudolph had five receptions for 67 yards in Sunday's win over Jacksonville.

Analysis: Rudolph was Minnesota's second-most targeted receiver with seven passes thrown his way. Rudolph was reportedly quarterback Christian Ponder's favorite target during training camp and it showed Sunday.

Rudolph had three receptions for 36 yards in Friday's preseason loss to San Diego.

Analysis: Rudolph left last week's preseason game after taking a hard hit the head, but it didn't look like an issue Friday. Rudolph could be the second option in the passing game after Percy Harvin this season as Christian Ponder has looked his way frequently this preseason.

Rudolph (head) was back in pads for Monday's practice, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.

Analysis: Rudolph, who left Friday's preseason game after taking a hard hit to the head, was held out of Sunday's practice as a precaution. In any case, Rudolph's presence in pads at practice Monday seems to confirm that his bell wasn't rung too badly on Friday.

Kyle Rudolph: (Head) Held Out of Practice

Rudolph was held out of Sunday's practice as a precaution after he left Friday's preseason win after taking a hard hit to the head, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Rudolph was evaluated for a possible concussion and said after the game he passed concussion tests. However, reports on Sunday have used the word concussion when talking about his ailment. It may be semantics at this point, but the injury doesn't sound serious. Still, track his status the next two…read more

Rudolph had one reception for seven yards in Friday's preseason win over Buffalo, but departed after taking a hard hit to his head. He did pass concussion tests after the game, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.

Analysis: Rudolph has reportedly become Christian Ponder's favorite target in training camp, so he's a tight end sleeper if this injury isn't serious.

Rudolph had two receptions for 22 yards in Friday's preseason loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: He's said to be quarterback Christian Ponder's favorite target in training camp and he had an impressive game in limited action. He remains a sleeper as John Carlson's knee injury could mean the targets to the tight ends may not be as evenly divided as first thought.

Rudolph is healthy and primed for a breakout season, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Rudolph as a rookie battled post-surgery rust from a hamstring injury and lack of reps due to the lockout last year but now is feeling like his old self and making catches with his monster mits. Christian Ponder speaks highly of him and if Head Coach Leslie Frazier deploys him on passing routes he…read more

Rudolph had two receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's win over Washington.

Analysis: Rudolph doesn't get many targets per game but he's become a little bit of a red zone threat. He's shown enough skills in the passing game that he could have a much larger role next season if Visanthe Schiancoe leaves as a free agent.

Rudolph (quadriceps) caught a 19-yard touchdown with his only reception in Sunday's loss to Denver.

Analysis: It was a highlight-reel catch over his head. The quadriceps injury that limited him in practice during the week didn't appear to be an issue. Rudolph has shown enough as a receiver that he could have a large role in 2012 if Visanthe Shiancoe departs as a free agent.

Rudolph (quadriceps) is active Sunday against Denver, the Vikings official Twitter feed reports.

Analysis: Rudolph is worth owning in dynasty leagues due to his long-term potential, but he's not much of a fantasy option with Visanthe Schiancoe around.

Rudolph (quadriceps) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable against Denver.

Analysis: He was able to practice all week, but was limited, so he should be able to play. He may get more targets with Michael Jenkins out for the season, but that may not translate into enough fantasy value for most leagues.

Rudolph (quadriceps) was limited in practice Thursday, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cites reports.

Analysis: He was optimistic about playing Wednesday, so his return to practice for a second consecutive day is a good sign. He may get more targets with Michael Jenkings out for the season, but that may not translate into enough fantasy value for most leagues.

Rudolph (quadriceps) practiced Wednesday and is "very optimistic" he will play Sunday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: It was undetermined if Rudolph's participation in Wednesday's practice was limited or full, but either way he is looking likely to play Week 13.

Rudolph (quadriceps) is inactive Sunday against Atlanta.

Analysis: Visanthe Shiancoe is out there Sunday and should see some extra looks with Rudolph out.

Rudolph (quadriceps) did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful against Atlanta.

Analysis: He didn't practice all week, so there's very little chance he plays.

Rudolph (quadriceps) did not practice Thursday.

Analysis: The Vikings may be very thin at tight end against Atlanta with both Rudolph and Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) yet to practice this week.

Rudolph (quad) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The Vikings are hurting at tight end right now, as Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) also did not practice Wednesday.

Rudolph suffered a quad contusion in Sunday's loss to Oakland, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities reports.

Analysis: We can only assume this is minor at this point since it wasn't reported right after the game, but check to see if he practices this week.