Kyle Rudolph Injury: Updates on Vikings Star's Possible Concussion

Kyle Rudolph, one of the Minnesota Vikings' few bright spots against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, was forced to leave the game with a possible concussion.

The news comes from ESPN's Michael C. Wright:

"

Kyle Rudolph going into locker room to be evaluated for concussion.

— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) November 25, 2012"

UPDATE: Sunday, Dec. 2 at 11:46 a.m. ET by Patrick Clarke

Kyle Rudolph was left off the Minnesota Vikings' inactive list for Week 13's matchup vs. the Green Bay Packers, and will be available for the Vikings on Sunday according to the team's official Twitter account:

"

#Vikings Inactives: QB M. Bethel-Thompson, WR P. Harvin, CB B. Burton, LB A. Cole, OL M. Asper, TE A. Reisner and DE D. Reed. #MINvsGB

— Minnesota Vikings (@VikingsFootball) December 2, 2012"

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 12:40 p.m. ET by Adam Wells

Good news for the Vikings, as Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com reported that Rudolph has been cleared to practice with the team on Wednesday. 

"

Rudy and Harrison Smith cleared to practice. Percy will try to work in practice today. Adrian may be limited. #Vikings

— Mike Wobschall (@wobby) November 28, 2012"

With Percy Harvin still trying to get back on the field, the Vikings need all the offensive playmakers they can get. Rudolph has been great in the red zone for this team, so they need him in the lineup if they want to stay in the playoff race. 

---END OF UPDATE---

The talented second-year tight end out of Notre Dame pulled in five catches for 55 yards and a touchdown—the only touchdown the Vikings were able to secure during their disappointing loss to the Bears—before being forced to leave the game. 

Minnesota now sits at 6-5 and trails the Bears—and potentially the Green Bay Packers—by two games in the NFC North. With their hopes of making the playoffs continually decreasing, losing a talented offensive weapon is the last thing the Vikings need right now.

Rudolph, on the season, has 39 catches for 361 yards and seven touchdowns. He's a reliable option inside the 20s and a dangerous threat in the red zone. After a blazing start to the season, Rudolph slowed down in late October but has now pulled in 12 catches and scored twice over the past two weeks.

Adrian Peterson, who racked up another 100-plus yards on Sunday, continues to be an absolute force for Minnesota, but with Percy Harvin struggling to get healthy, the Vikings need all the options they can get on the offensive end. 

If Rudolph is forced to miss an extended period of time, the Vikings' pass offense, which ranks near the bottom of the league, will likely struggle even more against the Packers and Bears over the next two weeks.

We'll be sure to keep you updated as we know more about Rudolph's status. 

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