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.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (glute, elbow) isn't listed on the final Week 4 injury report. He went from no practice on Wednesday to a limited practice on Thursday and then full participation Friday. Conklin should play his usual role vs. the Browns this weekend.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (glute, elbow) returned to a limited practice on Thursday. That seemingly has him on track to play vs. the Browns this weekend, but we'll get another update on his status tomorrow.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (glute, elbow) did not practice on Wednesday. Conklin is coming off his best game of the season, and we weren't aware of any injuries suffered in Week 3. We'll get another practice report from Minnesota tomorrow.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (hamstring) isn’t listed on the final injury report after getting in full practices on Thursday and Friday. He should be a full-go for this weekend’s opener vs. the Bengals. You should be able to do better in season-long leagues, but Conklin is in play as a cheap DFS option.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (hamstring) was upgraded to full participation in Thursday's practice. He'll be out there for this weekend's opener vs. the Bengals and should operate as Minnesota's lead TE.