Rudolph (knee) announced Monday via his personal Twitter account that he has decided to retire from the NFL as a member of the Vikings.
Rudolph, a two-time Pro Bowler, ends his career with the organization that drafted him in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He suited up for nine games last season with the Buccaneers, securing three of five targets for 29 yards and one touchdown. From 2011 to 2020, he was a key member of Minnesota's offense before moving on to the Giants for the 2021 season. Over 12 career NFL campaigns, the 33-year-old tallied 482 receptions for 4,733 yards and 50 touchdowns in 165 regular-season games (145 starts).
Rudolph (knee) is listed as inactive Monday against the Cowboys, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
After hauling in an eight-yard touchdown Week 18 in Atlanta, Rudolph was knocked out of that contest with a knee injury that limited him to just one limited practice during prep for the wild-card round. Now that Rudolph's status is confirmed for Monday's game, Cameron Brate and Ko Kieft will be the depth tight ends behind No. 1 option Cade Otton.
Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: Returns to practice Friday
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Rudolph (knee) was a limited participant during Friday's practice, Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports reports.
Rudolph was knocked out of the regular-season finale against Carolina with a knee injury and remained sidelined during Thursday's practice. The backup tight end returned as a limited participant Friday, but he'll likely have to log a full session Saturday to avoid an injury designation for Monday's wild-card matchup against Dallas.
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Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: Doubtful for Monday
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Rudolph (knee) is listed as doubtful for Monday's contest against the Cowboys, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
The veteran tight end has been used sparingly this season, as he's accumulated just 41 offensive snaps dating back to Week 10. Expect Cade Otton and Cameron Brate to continue taking the majority of the tight end reps.
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Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: Sits out practice Thursday
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Rudolph (knee) was a non-participant during the Buccaneers' practice Thursday.
Rudolph was forced out with a knee injury during the regular-season finale against Atlanta, leaving him sidelined for the first practice ahead of Tampa Bay's wild-card game against Dallas on Monday. The 33-year-old tight appeared in nine games this season and was a sporadic healthy scratch for Tampa Bay. Rudolph has also secured just one reception since Week 7, though his potential absence could mean a slight increase in playing time for rookie tight end Ko Kieft behind Cade Otton and Cameron Brate.
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Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: Forced out versus Atlanta
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Rudolph has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Falcons with a knee injury.
Rudolph logged his first receiving touchdown of the season with an eight-yard score in the first half. However, his day will come to an early end after he was ruled out midway through the third quarter, leaving Ko Kieft, Cameron Brate and Cade Otton as the Buccaneers' three available tight ends for the remainder of this contest. With Tampa Bay scheduled to play during the first round of the playoffs starting next week, it will be worth monitoring Rudolph's practice activity for more clarity on this knee issue.
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Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: No targets over 10 snaps
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Rudolph didn't log a target over 10 snaps during the Buccaneers' 30-24 win over the Panthers in Week 17.
The veteran tight end garnered active status for the second straight game, but just as during his 11-snap stint against the Cardinals in Week 16, Rudolph went without a target. Rudolph certainly isn't without pass-catching ability, but the fact he didn't see a ball thrown his way Sunday despite Cameron Brate being a healthy scratch underscores that he's viewed exclusively as a blocker in this offense.
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Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: Won't play Sunday
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Rudolph (coach's decision) has been ruled inactive ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers.
Rudolph was also ruled a healthy scratch for back-to-back games before suiting up against New Orleans in Monday Night Football last week. However, he ultimately did not record a statistic over his nine offensive snaps. Rudolph now finds himself the odd man out with Cameron Brate back after a one-game absence due to illness.
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Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: No targets on nine snaps
Rotowire
Rudolph didn't draw a target over nine snaps in the Buccaneers' 17-16 win over the Saints on Monday night.
Rudolph garnered active status for the sixth time this season, but as has been the case on the last three occasions, he failed to draw any targets. If Cameron Brate (illness) is able to return for the Week 14 road clash against the 49ers, Rudolph is likely to revert back to healthy scratch status.
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Buccaneers' Kyle Rudolph: Healthy scratch Sunday
Rotowire
Rudolph (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Browns.
Rudolph is a healthy scratch once again and has yet to claim a clear role with the Buccaneers. The veteran remains behind Cameron Brate, Cade Otton and Ko Kieft on the team's positional depth chart, and will likely only dress on game day if one of them suffers an injury.
