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.

Rudolph had two receptions for 38 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Kansas City.

Rudolph continues to have a strong preseason as he appears to be Matt Cassel's favorite target and should have a large role in the offense. Given new offensive coordinator Norv Turner's history of success with tight ends, he could be set for a career year.

Rudolph had four receptions for 89 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown, in Saturday's preseason win over Arizona.

With new offensive coordinator Norv Turner's history of success with tight ends, many expect Rudolph to be a big part of the offense and have a career year. Saturday's game will only fuel that outlook. Rudolph was limited to eight games last year after suffering a season-ending broken foot in Week 9, but looks fully healthy this summer.

Vikings signed TE Kyle Rudolph to a five-year, $36.5 million extension through 2019.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune said "all the signs point" to Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph breaking out this season.

Rudolph has been diligent in his recovery from the broken foot that sidelined him for the final eight games last season, reportedly dropping 15 pounds and working on his technique in order to be quicker out of his breaks. He should also get a big bump from the arrival of OC Norv Turner, who helped Jordan Cameron breakout last season. Rudolph is a bargain at his current ninth-round ADP.

Kyle Rudolph has dropped 15 pounds this offseason with an eye toward being more active in the passing game under new OC Norv Turner.

Rudolph played last season at 275 pounds, but is now at 260 after focusing on his diet and workout routine during the offseason. He's also been working on his receiving skills at Larry Fitzgerald's annual training camp in Minnesota. Fitzgerald's trainer has specifically been working with Rudolph to help him with his speed in and out of breaks. Rudolph is a big-time breakout candidate.

Norv Turner's Browns used "12" personnel on 36.9 percent of their offensive plays last season, second-most in the NFL.

The two tight end formation helped Jordan Cameron to his predictable breakout season. Now Turner is running the offense for Minnesota, meaning Kyle Rudolph projects as a major beneficiary. The contract-year tight end will be on the field for every snap, and will be freed up to run more routes while guys like Rhett Ellison, Chase Ford and Allen Reisner compete for blocking snaps. Carlson has flashed some Gronk-like red-zone chops already in his career, compiling 15 touchdowns in 39 games.

The Vikings have not approached TE Kyle Rudolph about a contract extension.

It looks like the Vikes are prepared to let Rudolph play out his contract year. That could prove to be expensive, as we're expecting him to have a career season now that his foot is healed and he's playing in Norv Turner's tight end friendly offense. Rudolph is going to have a chance to put his underrated athleticism on display.

Kyle Rudolph (foot) has been running since mid-February and has experienced no setbacks.

Rudolph missed the final eight games of the season after breaking his foot. He should be ready in plenty of time for OTAs but probably won't ramp it up in practice until training camp. Rudolph is poised for a breakout season under new OC Norv Tuner. He's also entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Kyle Rudolph ran 40.2 percent of his pass routes out of the slot last season.

We're expecting that number to rise under Norv Turner, who had Jordan Cameron run 60.3 percent of his routes from the slot last season. Rudolph isn't as agile, but he does have a basketball background and is extremely athletic for a 6'6/259-pounder. All signs continue to point toward a breakout campaign.

Kyle Rudolph believes he's the best tight end in the NFL.

It's a slow news day. "I feel as a tight end, it's extremely important to be a guy that can contribute in the running game and also in the passing game," Rudolph said. He's correct, though Rudolph has hardly been an elite blocker his three years in the league, and has just 109 catches across 39 career games. Thanks in part to poor coaching and quarterbacking, Rudolph's talent has largely gone to waste in the NFL, but that could change with tight-end friendly OC Norv Turner now calling the shots on offense. Rudolph is a strong breakout candidate.