Rudolph had two receptions for seven yards, including a four-yard touchdown, in Sunday's win over Carolina. He was targeted four times.

Although Rudolph didn't get a large number of targets it's reassuring to see him become a factor in the red zone with Teddy Bridgewater. Rudolph may not be at full strength the rest of the season after hernia surgery in September, but he could make an impact in the red zone the final four weeks.

Rudolph (abdomen) is active for Sunday's contest against the Panthers.

Coming off a three-catch, 50-yard performance in Week 12, Rudolph has in hand a sneaky-good matchup versus a Carolina defense that has allowed 15.4 YPC and two touchdowns to tight ends over the past four games.

Rudolph (abdomen) is probable for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Rudolph saw a huge increase in his workload during his second game back from injury against Green Bay on Sunday, playing 60 offensive snaps and catching three passes on five targets for 50 yards. The big target is a good candidate to make a push for top-12 status at tight end during the final weeks of the year.

Rudolph (abdomen) practiced fully Thursday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

For the second week in a row, Rudolph is logging all drills in practice, proving that his sports hernia is a thing of the past. He'll aim to please owners Sunday against a Panthers defense that has given up a robust 15.4 YPC and two touchdowns to tight ends in the last four contests.

Rudolph (groin) had three catches on five targets for 50 yards Sunday against the Packers.

Rudolph now has two games under his belt after missing six contests because of a sports hernia, and his performance Sunday was certainly better than the donut he put up in Week 11 against the Bears. He seems to be getting on the same page with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and he'll look for his first touchdown since Week 1 next Sunday against the Panthers, who have allowed more passing touchdowns than all but four teams in the NFL this season.

Rudolph (groin) is active for Sunday's contest versus the Packers.

After logging just 14 of 47 snaps in his return to action last Sunday, Rudolph is set to surpass 29.8 percent usage following a full week of practice. However, it's difficult to trust in the tight end until he establishes a significant share of the Vikings' passing attack and the trust of Teddy Bridgewater.

Rudolph (abdomen/groin) is probable for Sunday's game against Green Bay.

Rudolph was very limited against the Bears last week, playing just 14 of 47 snaps, but it looks like he should see his workload increase against the Packers. Rudolph practiced fully all week, which seems to indicate a corner has been turned. Still, he'll be a risky fantasy start until he reestablishes himself as a full-time player in the Minnesota offense.

Rudolph (abdomen/groin) was a full practice participant Wednesday, the Vikings' official site reports.

This past Sunday, Rudolph played in his first game since Week 3, as he recovered from sports hernia surgery. While he wasn't targeted across 14 snaps, his practice participation will seemingly be unhindered this week. At the very least, expect a modest increase in his workload for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Rudolph (groin) played just 14 snaps and did not have a ball thrown his way in Sunday's loss at Chicago.

It was his first game since since Week 3 and it appears the Vikings were easing him back into action from hernia surgery rather than any kind of setback. Check his status in practice, but he should be more involved in the offense next week against Green Bay.

Rudolph (groin) is active for Sunday's game in Chicago.

Back in the fold for the first time since Week 3, Rudolph may have a limited workload in store, as coach Mike Zimmer relayed to the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Saturday. Until a rapport is established with Teddy Bridgewater, Rudolph's value is untenable as long as a cap in snaps is in place.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer indicated that Rudolph (groin) may play limited snaps in Sunday's game against the Bears, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "We'll have a plan for him on how many plays we'll want to use him in," Zimmer said. "We'll be smart with him."

A snap count wouldn't be surprising, given that Rudolph hasn't played since Week 3. He still figures to have a significant role in the offense, after logging full practices Thursday and Friday.

Rudolph (groin) is probable for Sunday's game against Chicago.

As expected, Rudolph is fully cleared for his return, and the probable designation gives reason to hope for a significant workload. Teddy Bridgewater has made steady use of backup tight end Chase Ford, so Rudolph should be a fixture in the Minnesota passing game once he's at full speed.

Rudolph (groin) is expected to play Sunday against Chicago, head coach Mike Zimmer told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Rudolph was able to practice all week and should play in his first game since Week 3. He underwent surgery following Week 3 to repair a sports hernia issue. He should resume his role as the top tight end, but it's possible the Vikings could limit his snaps to ease him back into action.

Rudolph (sports hernia) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Rudolph's upgrade from Wednesday's limited showing inches him closer to his first appearance since Week 3, but the final injury report of the week will relay his potential availability for Sunday's game in Chicago. If he takes the field, his workload could be limited in order to ease him into the fold.

Rudolph (sports hernia) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

It was Rudolph's first full practice since he underwent surgery following Week 3. Even though he was limited, his return to practice bodes well for his potential return this week against Chicago. However, we'll need to see how he holds up during practice later in the week.

Rudolph (sports hernia) participated in Monday's practice and did more than individual work and head coach Mike Zimmer said he's hopeful he'll play this week, the KFAN 100.3 FM in Minneapolis reports.

Rudolph underwent surgery following Week 3 to repair a sports hernia issue and has increased his activity this past week. It looks like he could play this week, but we'll know more when the team's first injury report comes out Wednesday.

Rudolph (sports hernia) returned to practice Tuesday and hopes to play in Week 11 once the Vikings return from their current bye week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Rudolph underwent surgery following Week 3 to repair a sports hernia issue, but made his long-awaited return to practice Wednesday. Although Rudolph was limited to individual drills, the Vikings' current bye week will allow the tight end to gain some extra rest before Week 11. At that time, if Rudolph's condition continues to improve, he aims to be able to take the field versus the Bears.

Rudolph (sports hernia) did not practice Thursday, but continues to do conditioning work, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Rudolph continues to make progress and is expected to return Week 11 after Minnesota's bye week.

Rudolph (sports hernia) stretched with the team and ran on the side during Wednesday's practice, Fox Sports North reports.

He didn't participate in practice, but it sounds like he's making progress. He'll likely return in Week 11 after Minnesota's bye week.

Rudolph (sports hernia) has started to increase his activity and recently resumed upper-body weight-lifting, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Rudolph underwent surgery in late September to repair a sports hernia and had an initial timetable to return in six weeks. It's early in his recovery, but it looks like he's on track to return Week 11 just after Minnesota's bye week.