The Facts: Rudolph has played only two full football seasons in the past six at Minnesota and Notre Dame. So questions about his durability have lingered. "I'd like to think no one in the league works harder than I do to stay healthy and take care of my body, but the bottom line is I haven't been, and the only way to get rid of those questions is to play 16 games," Rudolph said. "The only thing I know how to do is to keep fighting to put the injuries behind me and be healthy every Sunday. I know when that happens, all those questions will be put to bed and I can continue working toward being one of the best tight ends in the game."

Diehards Line: Rudolph has missed 16 games over four seasons with the Vikings, a full-season's worth. Since 2013, he has been plagued by random and debilitating maladies, from a foot shattered while hauling in a touchdown catch to a knee/ankle sprained in a pileup. The addition of hamstring and abdominal tears has labeled Rudolph injury prone. Throughout 2014 training camp, Rudolph preached about remaining healthy. He shed 16 pounds to increase his speed and route running after a broken foot sidelined him for the final eight games of 2013. Last year, the injuries resulted in just 24 receptions for 231 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. Now Rudolph will spend the next eight weeks rebuilding for the long march to the 2015 season and another shot at redemption. And once again, his injury history will likely make him a greater value come draft day.