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- Mar 19, 2019
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Tyler Conklin, who has stepped up in Rudolph's absence, spoke to media members recently about learning from his elder teammate.
"It's frustrating for any athlete when you want to go out there and help your team win and you're a little banged up, but it's part of the game. Rudy is a heck of a pro," Conklin said. "People have always asked, 'What's the thing you've learned from Rudy? What has Rudy taught you?' For my first three years, I don't really think there could've been a better person to teach me how to be a professional, how to handle my business on and off the field, how to be the first one in the building.
"On top of that, he's one of the smartest football players I've ever met," Conklin added. "Obviously, I've only been in the NFL for three years, but just the growth he's helped me with – 'How do I run this route? How should I do this against this?' – Those things are huge when you're trying to grow and picking up a way bigger role in the middle or later toward the end of the season."
Conklin said that Rudolph has stayed involved through team meetings and on the sideline on game day, helping coach him and second-year tight end Irv Smith, Jr.
Minnesota's regular-season finale will mark Hinton's first game on the active roster. He spent the first portion of his rookie year on the Vikings practice squad.
Hinton was drafted 253rd overall by Minnesota this spring. The former Washburn University (Division II) standout primarily played tackle in college but has lined up at guard for the Vikings. Upon signing with the team, he expressed confidence in fitting with Minnesota's zone-blocking scheme.