Conklin (hamstring) is facing increased competition for snaps with the Vikings having traded for tight end Chris Herndon, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Conklin looks set to begin the regular season in a starting role while Irv Smith (knee) recovers from surgery, but it appears that the Vikings desire more security at the position. The severity of Smith's meniscus injury remains unclear, and there's a chance it could be season-ending, so the acquisition of Herndon could reflect those worries as much as it does concerns about Conklin's skill set. In any case, Herndon is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons with the Jets and now faces the task of learning a new offense, so as long as Conklin can shake his hamstring injury, he'll remain on track to start Sept. 12's season opener in Cincinnati.