Blue and Gold Illustrated

IRISH IN THE PROS five passes for 53 yards in the team's 20-3 season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers. His versatility allows the Vikings to decide what to do with him on a given play depending on how the opponent covers him. Use a cornerback against him and the Vikings are likely to have him block. Use a linebacker to cover Rudolph and Minnesota will send him down the field. "When you're moving and shifting, it forces the defense to really be on point with their checks and communication," Rudolph told reporters. "On the road, sure, it's loud for us, but the defense also has to communicate. A lot of times, when we're on point with our shifts and motions, you see guys run free off the line." With running back Adrian Peterson back in the mix after missing all of 2014 due to suspension, Rudolph's blocking skills are at a premium. "If there's anything I need to improve on, it's definitely my run blocking," Rudolph said. "That's just part of our mentality from Coach [Mike] Zimmer on down. He reminds us of that often. "I feel great, and I'm excited because this time last year, I was fighting through the sports hernia. My expectations are very high." NFL NOTES Through Sept. 17 • The Miami Dolphins released running back Jonas Gray (2008‑11) from their practice squad days after signing him. Gray had been with New England most of training camp, but failed to make the team. He scored four touchdowns in one game against the Indianapolis Colts last November, but rarely carried the ball again after arriving late to practice later that week. He is a free agent. • Running back George Atkinson (2011‑13), of‑ fensive lineman Braxston Cave (2008‑12), linebacker Darius Fleming (2008‑11), tight end Ben Koyack (2011‑14) and running back Cierre Wood (2009‑12) were all on their respective teams' practice squads for week one. • Minnesota Vikings safety Robert Blanton (2008‑11) recorded three tackles in a 20‑3 loss at San Francisco Sept. 14. • Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Kyle Brindza (2011‑14) made both extra point opportunities, but did not have a field goal try in a 42‑14 loss to Ten‑ nessee Sept. 13. • Jacksonville Jaguars safety Sergio Brown (2006‑09) had four tackles in a 20‑9 loss to Carolina Sept. 13. • Denver Broncos safety, special teams standout and captain David Bruton (2005‑08) recorded four tackles and two pass deflections in a 19‑13 win over Baltimore Sept. 13. • Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (2009‑12) caught nine passes for 104 yards and two touch‑ downs in a 33‑13 win at Oakland Sept. 13. • Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Fasano (2002‑05) had one reception for 18 yards in a 42‑14 win over Tampa Bay Sept. 13. • Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (2008‑11) caught one pass for 18 yards while ham‑ pered by an injury in a 31‑19 win over New Orleans Sept. 13. • Denver Broncos right tackle Ryan Harris (2003‑06) started in a 19‑13 win over Baltimore Sept. 13. • Detroit Lions receiver TJ Jones (2010‑13) was named the team's starting kickoff and punt returner, but he was inactive for a 33‑28 loss at San Diego Sept. 13. • In his first professional game after suffering season‑ending injuries in back‑to‑back seasons, Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Kapron Lewis‑ Moore (2008‑12) recorded two tackles in a 19‑13 loss at Denver Sept. 13. • Dallas Cowboys right guard Zack Martin (2009‑13) notched his first start of the year in a

• Cover