Vikings HC Mike Zimmer suggested at TE Tyler Conklin might be a bigger beneficiary of TE Kyle Rudolph's departure than TE Irv Smith. “I think it’s a bigger role for Tyler Conklin,” Zimmer said. “He’s kind of emerged as a guy that’s moving upward and with those two guys, we have a lot of weapons there. Irv always has been able to do what he’s been able to do whether Kyle was here or not." Conklin actually out-targeted Smith 21 to 20 over the final 4 games of last season with Rudolph sidelined. Smith just edged Conklin 118 to 106 in pass routes during that stretch. Smith remains the better 2021 fantasy bet -- but his role sans Rudolph might not grow as much as many are expecting. Conklin, meanwhile, is an intriguing end-of-draft flier in deep best-ball leagues, especially in the FFPC.

NFL Network reports that the Jets are signing TE Tyler Conklin. It's a somewhat curious move for both sides this early in the free-agent cycle, given that the Jets have already agreed to a deal with TE C.J. Uzomah. The arrival of both players lowers the fantasy ceiling for each. Expect both to settle well down into reserve territory in our TE rankings.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (hamstring) is active for tonight’s game vs. the Packers. He put in a full practice on Friday, so the hammy isn’t a big concern. But with Sean Mannion under center, Conklin is a shaky fantasy play.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (hamstring) is expected to play vs. the Packers tonight. Conklin got in a full practice on Friday, so the hammy isn't much of a concern. QB Sean Mannion is definitely a concern, though, and makes Conklin a shaky TE2.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game vs. the Packers. He went from no practice on Wednesday to limited on Thursday to full participation on Friday. So Conklin should play this weekend. But he’s not a recommended fantasy starter with Sean Mannion under center.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (hamstring) returned to a limited practice on Thursday. We'll see what he does tomorrow, but anything less than a full practice would make him tough to trust in Week 17 fantasy lineups.