Rudolph's injury is Ford's opportunity

Chase Ford is still a small town kid at heart.

The Vikings tight end might get flak from the locals in Corrigan, Texas, that he doesn't sound like a native anymore, though Ford's country accent and southern dialect remain distinct to the outsider. But Ford has been amazed that his small-town journey has led him to the NFL.

"I didn't grow up thinking like, 'Man, I'm going to play on Sundays,' " Ford said.

What he's gotten — 14 career games and starts in the past three — has been beyond his imagination. Given the way his season started, the Vikings have unexpectedly relied on Ford to produce in the past five games. And he has, which begs the question — where will Ford fit in this offense once injured tight end Kyle Rudolph returns?

"I think he'll still have a role," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said.

Ford will face the inevitable decrease in snaps when Rudolph recovers from sports hernia surgery; the 2012 Pro Bowler should return in two weeks against the Bears following the bye week.

But the ripple effect of Rudolph's injury in Week 3 against the Saints allowed Ford to be promoted from the practice squad for the past five games.

It was the break, while unfortunate, that Ford needed after limping into training camp because of a broken left foot. He hardly made an impression on the coaching staff before the Vikings cut him, but they saw enough potential to sign him back to the practice squad. The University of Miami product wasn't frustrated with how the events unfolded, but he was disappointed he couldn't grind with his teammates in Mankato.

"Just going out there and seeing them practicing and struggling," Ford said. "It might be a tired day, and I'm like, 'Man, I could be out there helping them out, taking some reps off them right now.' But I couldn't do anything."

Then the Vikings claimed tight end MarQueis Gray, the former Gophers quarterback, off waivers from the Browns. With Gray's experience in offensive coordinator Norv Turner's system, it made Ford's future pretty bleak with three tight ends on the roster.

But Rudolph's injury allowed Ford to soar from the practice squad to a starter in two-tight-end sets in four of the past five games. Ford set career highs with six catches and 61 yards in a victory at Tampa Bay on Sunday, serving as rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's second favorite receiver in the overtime victory Sunday.

"I think he's come quite a ways in understanding the route concepts and how his releases are," Zimmer said. "But he's improved a lot as a blocker. He's been working hard as a blocker, too."

Zimmer intentionally pointed out Ford's progression as a blocker, considering he's always been perceived as a pass-catching tight end. His ability to serve in both areas has been something the Vikings have missed in Rudolph's absence.

"Just in his, I would call it, football intelligence that comes with more playing time," receiver Jarius Wright said. "He's definitely understanding the game more."

Ford served a similar role last season, replacing Rudolph after he was placed on injured reserve because of a broken foot last year. It was the first nine games Ford was active in his career, serving as a productive step in what he hopes is a long career playing football.

The Vikings matchup against the Redskins on Sunday could be Ford's last opportunity this season to serve as a starter before stepping stage right for Rudolph's return.

"I really hope 'Rudy' comes back guns firing and has a 1,000 yards before the season is over with," Ford said. "I don't care, and I wish him the best. I'm going to do what I can when he's not here. And when he's here and they still want me to do stuff for them, I'm going to give them everything I got."

Ford cherishes every opportunity he receives to suit up. The rookie free agent has been cut five times and spent stints with the Eagles and Cowboys before sticking with the Vikings over the past three seasons. Coming from East Texas, and as one who plans to serve the kids in his hometown once his career ends, Ford is content with every snap he gets following the Washington game.

"The way I try to attack every day is that it really is a blessing to be at this point in time of my life and my career," Ford said. "I've been cut, I've been at home for weeks at a time and I know how that feels. When I get the opportunity, I just want to make the most of it."