UPDATE: The Vikings DID NOT activate Rice from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He will NOT play this Sunday.

According to Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice will play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Brad Childress said he expects Rice to play 25 to 35 snaps on Sunday. Rice practiced on Thursday and felt a little soreness the next day, but was still able to practice. When asked about his status and what he hopes to do when he returns, Rice said, "I don't want to hurt the team in any way. We're in a critical position right now," Rice said. "We need all these wins. I'm not just going to throw myself out there knowing I can only get 10 plays and we have another receiver down who could help the team a lot more." Rice has missed all of the 2010 season due to offseason hip surgery.

UPDATE: The Vikings DID NOT activate Rice from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He will NOT play this Sunday.

Fantasy Analysis:

The Vikings had the eighth best passing offense in the NFL last season and have dropped all the way down to 16th this season. Surely, the absence of Rice has changed the team's dynamic on offense. The Vikings made the deal for Randy Moss, before promptly cutting him loose. They certainly wouldn't have added him if everything was status quo with Rice on the field. For now, fantasy owners should add him and sit him on the bench for a week and wait patiently for him to get back into the swing of things. Rice was a top 10 fantasy receiver last season and would be a huge boost to any team if he returns to his form from last season. In 2009, Rice had 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns.