Rudolph Aiming, Again, for Productive Year with Vikings

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Kyle Rudolph and the Minnesota Vikings are still waiting for him to flourish.

The fifth-year tight end has played in all 16 games just once in his career. Last year he missed seven games following double sports hernia surgery. Staying healthy so far has been a bigger challenge for Rudolph in the NFL than catching or blocking.

Rudolph had 24 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns last season, all career lows.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner's scheme has been touted as well-suited for a tight end with ideal size and exceptional pass-catching ability like Rudolph. This year will be his second chance to prove it.

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is as excited as anyone about Rudolph being healthy again. He called him a "whole new player on the team."