John Carlson To Start At Tight End Against Redskins

Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) against the San Francisco 49ers at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings will be forced to start John Carlson for about a month at tight end due to the injury to Kyle Rudolph.  Carlson was one of the Vikings big offseason pickups before the 2011 NFL season.  The Vikings were able to pick him up cheap after a torn shoulder labrum sidelined him for the entirety of his 2011 season with Seattle as well as issues with his concussion history.

Carlson was a major part of the offense during his time with the Seahawks.  As the featured tight end in Seattle, he played 47 total games in which he accumulated 137 catches for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) looks on during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Carlson has never experienced the success in Minnesota that he did during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.  The Vikings have used him in a supplementary role to Kyle Rudolph since he was brought in.  Despite that, he has seen action in 22 games for Minnesota, where he has accumulated 19 catches for 104 yards and zero touchdowns.

Carlson will get the opportunity during the time Rudolph’s injury is healing to prove that he can be a valuable asset to this team.  Past Carlson, the only options on the depth chart at tight end are Rhett Ellison (who is struggling with ankle injury) and Chase Ford.  Look for Carlson to play a major role in the team’s offense for the next month or so.