National Football League

Vikings Snap Counts: Rudolph producing as Smith's role increases

Updated Aug. 23, 2022 3:06 p.m. ET

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Rookie Irv Smith Jr.'s playing time continues to trend upward, but veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph isn't going anywhere.

Both tight ends played 47 snaps on offense during the Minnesota Vikings' 37-30 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, the third straight game in which they've been more-or-less level.



Despite that, Rudolph continues to prove his worth after signing a four-year, $36 million extension last spring.

The nine-year veteran had four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown Monday. Rookie running back Alexander Mattison (51 yards on four catches) and receiver Laquon Treadwell (58 yards on one catch) were the only Vikings pass-catchers with more, while Smith had just one catch on three targets for six yards.

Rudolph has seen his role in the passing game shrink this year. He has just 33 receptions for 301 yards in 12 games this season, putting him on pace for 100 fewer yards than last season, and is averaging just 2.8 catches per game, his worst rate since 2014.

However, he's doing more with less.

Rudolph leads the Vikings with six touchdown catches this season, tied with Adam Thielen, including five scores in the red zone. Only four players in the NFL have more touchdowns inside the 20-yard line.

Other notes:

-- Treadwell played a season-high 29% of the snaps on offense.

-- Mattison played a career-high 49%. The rookie took over for Dalvin Cook after the Vikings' starter exited in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and had a career-best 66 yards from scrimmage.

-- Cornerback Xavier Rhodes missed time with a back injury but played 80% of the defense's snaps.

-- Left tackle Riley Reiff played 26 snaps before exiting with a concussion. He was replaced by Rashod Hill, who played 29 snaps in his fourth appearance of the season.

-- Linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks played all 75 of the defense's snaps for the sixth straight game.

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Irv Smith

Kyle Rudolph

Minnesota Vikings