In Week 4, Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph was targeted four times, catching two passes for seven yards in the 23-20 loss at Denver. That brought his four-game totals to 14 catches, which ranks 67th in the league, for 104 yards, which ranks outside the top 100.
“The [pass rush] we just played is probably one of the best in football and when we do stuff like that, I’m required to be in more helping our offensive line with protection,” Rudolph said. “There will be plenty of opportunities for me down the road to catch footballs. As a tight end, there can be so many different responsibilities outside of just catching the ball, even though it seems like everybody on the outside only bases our success on receptions.”
Look for Rudolph to catch more passes eventually. But right now, with Peterson returning, Mike Wallace emerging and the offensive line still adjusting to two lost starters, it’s going to take a little time for offensive coordinator Norv Turner to work through some kinks.
Rudolph was very active as a receiver in the first two weeks, catching 10 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. But over the past two weeks he has not been as involved. Owners should keep this in mind -- if the Vikings are facing a strong pass rush, Rudolph's targets may be limited.
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