NFL Player News

Osborn had three receptions on seven targets for 68 yards in Friday's preseason loss at Kansas City.

Osborn has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff in training camp and played well in preseason games, so he looks like the leading candidate for the No. 3 receiver role. However, Dede Westbrook (knee) ultimately may win the No. 3 job when he gains full clearance from the torn ACL he sustained in 2020. Chad Beebe also remains in the mix but may be a better fit as the slot receiver. The third receiver role for the Vikings could therefore be in flux early in the regular season.

Marshall recorded three receptions on four targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason game against the Steelers.

Marshall was on the field with the team's top offensive unit, drawing targets while playing alongside DJ Moore and Robby Anderson. While both Moore and Anderson saw the majority of their targets near the line of scrimmage, Marshall was looked for deep on a number of occasions -- one of which he converted into a 24-yard reception. Marshall also found the end zone for the first time as a pro, taking a screen pass to the house from 13 yards away. He's contributed significantly in each of the team's preseason games, which could line him up to make an immediate impact in Week 1 of the regular season against the Jets.

Anderson recorded two receptions on five targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason contest against the Steelers.

Anderson played with the first-team offense throughout the initial two quarters. He didn't do much until the end of the half, when he hauled in an eight-yard touchdown with 28 seconds remaining. It is worth noting that most of his receptions and targets came near the line of scrimmage, highlighting potential usage that will be worth monitoring into the regular season. Anderson will now turn his focus to a Week 1 matchup against the Jets.

Moore returned from a back injury to record to record six receptions on six targets for 48 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Steelers.

Moore was sidelined for both of the team's first two preseason contests -- the latter due to injury. However, he proved his health in the final exhibition, as he led the team in targets, receptions and yards. Half of his catches came on the first drive, with the grabs going for two, two and 11 yards respectively. With this game action under his belt, Moore should be set for a full workload in the team's Week 1 matchup against the Jets.

Smith-Marsette caught all three of his targets for 43 yards and rushed once for eight yards in Friday night's 28-25 preseason loss to the Chiefs.

Smith-Marsette also fielded kicks, gaining 76 yards from his three kickoff returns. Although the rookie featured with Minnesota's first-team offense, none of his receptions came with starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in the game. Nonetheless, in tying for the lead in catches and placing second on the Vikings in receiving yards, Smith-Marsette again put forth a good effort as he aims to earn snaps behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. Despite the fact his team hasn't incorporated three wideouts much in recent years, it'll be interesting to see how Smith-Marsette is utilized in his first season, which starts with a Week 1 matchup versus the Bengals.

Perriman caught one of three targets for six yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Colts.

The 27-year-old made his first grab in a Detroit uniform early in the first quarter with Tim Boyle (thumb) under center, before a couple misfires once David Blough took over. Perriman is headed for a starting role Week 1 against San Francisco, but the 2015 first-round pick is on his fifth team in six years for a reason, having never caught more than 36 passes or amassed more than 645 receiving yards in a season.

Cephus caught all three of his targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason loss to the Colts.

The second-year receiver caught a 15-yard strike from Tim Boyle late in the first quarter for Detroit's first points of the night. Cephus missed time earlier in camp with a head injury but he looked good Friday, and while his roster spot seems secure, he could be making a late push for a bigger role in Week 1 against San Francisco.

St. Brown caught two of three targets for four yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Colts.

The Lions' depth chart at wide receiver remains wide open, but St. Brown has done little to climb it during game action, catching exactly two passes in all three preseason contests for only 28 total yards. The fact that he was a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft should assure him of a spot on the 53-man roster and maybe even steady target volume, but fantasy value could be elusive.

Hardman was not targeted but rushed once for eight yards in Friday night's 28-25 preseason win over the Vikings.

Hardman saw the field with Kansas City's starters before Demarcus Robinson, furthering the notion that his role will be expanded this season following Sammy Watkins' departure. Although he wasn't targeted Friday, the Chiefs still managed to get the ball in Hardman's hands offensively, looking to capitalize on his blazing speed. In such an explosive offense, Hardman is certainly a player to keep in mind for season-long formats and DFS lineups going into a Week 1 battle against the Browns.

Strachan caught five of seven targets for 61 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Lions.

The 2021 seventh-round pick is still in the hunt for the No. 5 spot on the depth chart at wide receiver, and Strachan only helped his case by significantly out-producing Ashton Dulin (two catches for seven yards), although Dezmon Patmon (two catches for 64 yards) also made an impact with a 60-yard grab late in the second quarter to help set up a field goal. Strachan's size and speed make him intriguing, but he's likely a couple years away from refining his skills enough to make a real push for a fantasy-friendly role.