08-20-2021, 10:08 PM
In Saturday’s second preseason game, Osborn could have starter Kirk Cousins throwing to him, and he might start because Justin Jefferson will sit while he recovers from a recent shoulder injury. An opportunity could be readily available for him to really distinguish himself.
“I’m looking for him to be himself, keep looking at what he’s doing,” offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said. “We’ve got to give him more opportunities. Hopefully, he plays more this week.”
Osborn and Chad Beebe are both listed as second-string receivers on Minnesota’s depth chart. Beebe has shown he can play in the NFL. Last year, he had 20 catches for 201 yards, including seven for 63 against Carolina in Week 12, when he caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Cousins with 46 seconds left to secure a 28-27 win.
The Vikings also have Dede Westbrook, being brought along slowly after suffering a torn ACL while with Jacksonville last October. Westbrook, who caught 66 passes for the Jaguars in both 2018 and 2019, took part in a full Minnesota practice for the first time on Thursday but it remains to be seen how healthy he will be for the Sept. 12 regular-season opener at Cincinnati.
Osborn’s limited experience in NFL games remains an issue. A fifth-round pick out of Miami in 2020, he didn’t get a single regular-season snap from scrimmage last year, and the entire preseason was wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. He played special teams in nine games. So, Saturday could be a big opportunity for him.
“I’ve just got to do my job,” he said. “I’ve just got to try to keep stacking days up. I don’t really worry too much about (the No. 3 receiver job). That’s in the coaches’ control. I just try to come out and work my butt off.”
Kubiak spelled out what the Vikings are looking for when choosing the receiver who plays behind Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
“It’s really simple. It’s the next-best receiver.” he said. “It’s not the slot receiver, not the little scat guy. … We’re not looking for a niche guy. I’m looking for the third-best guy because injuries happen, COVID happens, things happen, and guys miss (games).”
If none of the three candidates stands out, Kubiak could have another option when the Vikings go to a three-receiver set. He said he could use a tight end, either Irv Smith Jr. or Tyler Conklin.
https://www.twincities.com/2021/08/20/vi...-3-wr-job/
