Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a pass for a touchdown over Chicago Bears strong safety Major Wright (21) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph has dropped weight in order to prep for his role on the Vikings offense. With Norv Turner calling the shots on offense, Rudolph knows that he will get plenty of opportunities to make plays in the passing game. Turner led the San Diego Chargers offense that had Antonio Gates making things happen all over the field. He then took the offense to Cleveland and had Jordan Cameron emerge as a star tight end last season.

Rudolph has to be prepped to make an impact on offense. He will be looking to be one of the main threats on offense.

Adrian Peterson will be running the ball down the throats of defenses. That will set things up perfectly for Rudolph to make plays in the passing game. With the linebackers focused on stopping Peterson, Rudolph will be able to run free and find open spots for the passing game.

Rudolph felt that cutting weight will help him this year. Here are his thoughts from ESPN:

“Becoming more explosive in and out of cuts, that was the big emphasis for me, going back and watching a ton of (Cleveland) Browns tape (when Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner was the coordinator there last year),” Rudolph said. “I’ve always watched a lot of (San Diego Chargers tight end) Antonio Gates (who played for Turner from 2007-12), and I don’t know that there’s anyone as good as him at getting in and out of breaks. That’s been the big point of emphasis for me the whole year, and getting the weight down has helped a ton, I think. I feel like I run a lot smoother than I did at 275.”

Rudolph will put up some great numbers for the Vikings in Turner’s offense. He will get the opportunities to make plays all over the field. He has the ability to get it done and now he should see the ball often.