Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert

MINNEAPOLIS — Many of you have asked me for updates on the health of Minnesota defensive end Kenechi Udeze, who underwent a bone-marrow transplant over the summer as part of his fight against leukemia.

Udeze

A few reporters ran into Udeze here Sunday morning at the Metrodome, where Udeze is scheduled to be the Vikings’ honorary captain for the opening coin toss. Udeze said he is on track in his recovery and left no doubt about his future plans.

“I’ll be back next year,” Udeze said. “Everything is going to be fine for next year.”

Udeze spent three weeks in the hospital during July for the procedure. The transplant came from his brother, Thomas Barnes.

Udeze was released July 24. He was required to wear a mask in public for the next 100 days to limit his exposure to infection, and Sunday is the first Vikings game he has been able to attend.

Udeze has already started upper-body workouts and said he hopes to begin jogging soon once the threat of swelling in his feet subsides.

Overall, Udeze’s prospects look very strong.

For background, here is a link to our story this summer on Udeze’s fight.