The Vikings' rushing attack will have another option for Sunday's pivotal NFC North game against the Bears as Alexander Mattison is officially active.

The No. 2 running back is returning from a Dec. 5 appendectomy that led to a two-game absence. Dalvin Cook's remarkable workload lessened slightly last week in Tampa Bay, where he took 24 of the backfield's 36 touches, and that could continue vs. Chicago with Mattison returning.

Dan Bailey remains the Vikings kicker amid his 3-for-10 slump in the past two games. The Vikings signed 28-year-old journeyman Taylor Bertolet to the practice squad on Saturday after bringing him in among tryouts last week.

Tight end Kyle Rudolph and linebacker Eric Kendricks were unable to practice this week and were ruled out Friday.

Chicago will be without starting corners Jaylon Johnson and Buster Skrine, meaning Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will be throwing against cornerbacks Duke Shelley and Kindle Vildor.

Vikings' inactives: Rudolph (foot), Kendricks (calf), OT Oli Udoh, WR K.J. Osborn, TE Hale Hentges and CB Dylan Mabin

Bears' inactives: Skrine (concussion), Johnson (shoulder), S Deon Bush (foot), OL Lachavious Simmons and RB Artavis Pierce