Vikings TE Shiancoe looks to make up for lost time

While he has been watching from the sidelines, the ninth-year pro said he has had to rely more than ever on his experiences in the league to make sure that he was processing the information even though he wasn't in the huddle.

"You have to be on point mentally, and that can take you a long way," Shiancoe said. "Especially when you can sit back and just watch it, you can pick up things that you wouldn't be able to pick up inside by looking at it from the outside in. So I've got to stay keen on that. Musgrave made that clear to me as well."

For now, Shiancoe said he is not worrying about his next contract or Rudolph taking his starting spot. The Vikings will run plenty of two-tight end sets in Musgrave's system, and the money will come if Shiancoe produces.

"It's all about the team. It's all about winning," Shiancoe said. "Last thing the organization needs is a distraction. That's something I would never do."

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