Vikings’ formations will shift with Rudolph out
Falcons coach Mike Smith was also very concerned about how the Vikings will be impacted by the loss of Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph, who reportedly will miss at least six weeks with a sports hernia injury.
Rudolph had three receptions for 27 yards before suffering the injury in the 20-9 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
“From what I understand, he’s definitely going to miss our game and be out for a significant amount of time,” Smith said. “He’s a big target.”
He had 30 catches for 313 yards and three touchdowns last season. He went to the Pro Bowl after the 2011 season when he caught 53 passes for 493 yards and nine touchdowns.
“Some of the personnel groupings that they show are multiple tight ends,” Smith said. “(Minnesota offensive coordinator) Norv (Turner) has always been a guy that does different personnel groupings so that could change also, how we are going to see personnel and formations presented.”
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
