Vikings Thin At TE As Bell Heads To IR, Rudolph Out Sunday
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Vikings are hurting at the tight end position this week with the status of their top two uncertain and a third being placed on injured reserve.
Kyle Rudolph was held out of practice this week, and Friday head coach Mike Zimmer said he will not play Sunday. David Morgan missed last week's game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Vikings placed third string tight end Blake Bell, who saw increased playing time the past two weeks, on IR with a shoulder injury. Zimmer said Bell will need surgery eventually.
Rudolph leads the Vikings in receiving touchdowns with seven. Morgan has been a key blocker for the offense.
To restock the cupboards, the team elevated Kyle Carter to the active roster from the practice squad. Carter joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and has been on and off the practice squad since then.
Taking Carter's practice squad spot is defensive back Jack Tocho, who was released earlier this week to make room for offensive tackle Storm Norton.
The Vikings fielded a patchwork offensive line Sunday, with backups filling in and starters being shifted at multiple positions. There was fear the line could be even more decimated this week, as left tackle Riley Reiff was seen in a walking boot after the Panthers game. On that front, Zimmer offered some good news Friday, saying Reiff has "a chance" to play.
The Vikings' injury report officially lists Reiff and Rudolph as doubtful. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who did not practice this week with a rib injury, is out. Linebacker Emmanuel Lamur is questionable with a foot injury. Morgan practiced in full Thursday and Friday and is not listed on the injury report.
