The Minnesota Vikings received some good news on Wednesday as both tight end Kyle Rudolph and safety Harrison Smith have been cleared to return after suffering concussions last week.
Rudolph and Smith both were forced to leave last Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears after taking blows to the head. According to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press, both are expected to be available for the Vikings match up against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.
“To know that Kyle and Harrison have been cleared, that’s a big deal,” coach Leslie Frazier said. “They are two keys to our football team. The fact that Percy’s going to attempt to do something today, that’s encouraging. It’s just a matter of how far he can go. That’s a big deal to have those guys out there practicing.”
Rudolph did not practice for the Vikings on Wednesday as he is also dealing with a sore shoulder that isn’t expected to affect his availability. Smith was able to return to limited participation on Wednesday.
Rudolph has been one of quarterback Christian Ponder’s more reliable targets this season, especially in the red zone. Rudolph has 39 catches for 361 yards and seven touchdowns on the season for the Vikings.
The return of wide receiver Percy Harvin is still a question mark. Harvin returned to limited participation in practice on Wednesday for the first time after suffering an ankle injury in Seattle three weeks ago.