Rudolph praises Vikings for faith in him

Minnesota Vikings' tight end Kyle Rudolph received a five-year, $36 million contract extension late Sunday, and Monday, he talked about how happy he was that he'll spend the next six seasons with the team.

"It's a dream come true," Rudolph said. "I couldn't thank everyone enough."

Rudolph is about to start his fourth season in the NFL, and his accomplishments have been modest, with 109 receptions for 1,055 yards and 15 touchdowns in three seasons as he battled some injuries.

But he's expected to play a larger role in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's offense so Rudolph could have waited and possible benefited from another productive season.

"This is the organization that took a chance on me in the draft," he said. "Giving me this extension shows the faith they have in me."

Rudolph said that he wouldn't buy a new house and he would drive the same truck, but he did promise his high-school strength coach that he would redo the weight room at his alma mater in Cincinnati.

"He's a good guy," coach Mike Zimmer said. "And I like when good guys get rewarded."

Running back Adrian Peterson was another happy player Monday. When asked about his role in Turner's offense, which looks like it will expand with more pass-catching opportunities, he said this system is more suited to the team's talent.

"I might not be Michael Irvin or Jerry Rice, but I've been playing this game since I was 7," Peterson said. "I can catch the football."

Zimmer said that receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, who has been out with an injured foot, will participate in Monday's night practice, but only in individual drills. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, who is on the physically unable to perform list with a hamstring injury, could return soon, perhaps Wednesday, Zimmer said.

Monday's night practice will include a live goal-line period, as well as red zone practice. Zimmer said he likes to change the schedule a little just to see if players can adjust, and he feels like the intensity increases when you have more fans at the stadium, under the lights.