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The Vikings have been without tight end Kyle Rudolph for the past six games because he needed to have sports hernia surgery early in the season and Rudolph said last week that he hoped to make his return to the lineup this Sunday against the Bears.

His chances of doing that are looking better and better with every passing day. Rudolph was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and a full participant on Thursday, which is a step in the right direction as far as getting on the field for his first regular season game with Teddy Bridgewater as the starting quarterback.

Having Rudolph back in the lineup should be a boost to Bridgewater and the offense overall, but offensive coordinator Norv Turner said the team still wants to use their other tight ends.

“I think it’s what he’s able to handle. We’ve got a little chemistry going, a little rhythm with Chase [Ford] and Rhett [Ellison], so if guys make plays you want to continue to give them opportunities and then you want to give Kyle an opportunity to make plays,” Turner said, via the team’s website.

The Bears defense has given everyone an opportunity to make plays this season, so all the tight ends should get a shot to contribute come Sunday.