The former Derby striker has missed the entire season so far after suffering a tendon injury when he tripped over a shard of glass during a family party during the summer.
Tudgay played 70 minutes of the game and even claimed the winner in Wednesday's 2-1 come-from-behind win over The Saddlers after Kenny Lunt's penalty levelled the scores following Tony Bedeau's early strike.
Adams has been working hard to regain fitness following his disrupted summer and played the full game without appearing to pick up any further problems.
He could be ready for a starting place at Southend this week although it is expected that Tudgay and perhaps Wade Small could make the bench.