After missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a hamstring injury, Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is expected to play against the Atlanta Falcons after returning to practice on Friday.

Shiancoe is officially listed as "Questionable" for a second consecutive week. Limited by the same hamstring in Week 11, Shiancoe was able to play against the Oakland Raiders last Sunday, catching two passes for 42 yards, including a 37-yard reception, his longest of the 2011 season.

Bothered by hamstring issues since the summer, the 31-year-old Shiancoe has 26 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns on the season.

The Vikings will need Shiancoe against the Falcons as 2011 second-round pick Kyle Rudolph is doubtful and likely will not play on Sunday due to a thigh injury. Shiancoe needs to play, too, as he's preparing to enter the free agent market after the season.

For more on the Vikings, check out Daily Norseman.