Conklin, who hasn't played during the preseason as he deals with a hamstring injury, has a chance to see an expanded role, health permitting, with Irv Smith (knee) expected to miss time early on this season, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
With Kyle Rudolph no longer in the mix, Smith had been viewed as a possible fantasy breakout candidate in 2021. With that potential outcome on hold, Conklin could emerge as an option in deeper formats early on this season. Meanwhile, Brandon Dillon, Zach Davidson and Shane Zylstra are also currently in the Vikings' tight end mix.