Benjamin (undisclosed) is expected to be a game-time decision for Thursday's preseason contest against the Cardinals, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Chargers appear poised to rest a number of their key players, including the team's most recent first- and second-round picks, as well as a handful of projected starters including quarterback Philip Rivers. It's unclear what type of injury Benjamin might have picked up, but the lack of information surrounding his status likely suggests this is a minor issue.

Benjamin (undisclosed) was not available for practice Tuesday, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Both Benjamin and Andre Patton weren't able to participate in Tuesday's practice, although it's unclear as to what's keeping either player back. It seems likely the Chargers will provide some sort of update should the injury become serious, particularly since their preseason opener takes place Thursday against the Cardinals.

Benjamin and the Chargers have agreed to a one-year extension through 2020, with the wideout receiving a signing bonus in exchange for reducing his 2019 base salary, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coming off a 2018 campaign with just 12 receptions, seven carries and five punt returns in 12 games, Benjamin was scheduled for a non-guaranteed $5.25 million base salary and a $6.5 million cap hit in 2019. The new deal secures his roster spot for the upcoming season, and the departure of Tyrell Williams (Raiders) leaves Benjamin as the favorite for the No. 3 job at wide receiver. There is some potential for Dylan Cantrell, Geremy Davis or Artavis Scott to make it a competition, but Benjamin has a massive advantage in experience. The 29-year-old is less likely to have a major role on special teams, as Chargers cornerback Desmond King was one of the league's top return men last season.

Coach Anthony Lynn said Benjamin, Dylan Cantrell and Geremy Davis need to step up after the Chargers lost Tyrell Williams to the Raiders this offseason, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Chargers cornerback Desmond King emerging as one of the top return men in the league, Benjamin needs to lock down the No. 3 spot at wide receiver to have any shot at justifying his non-guaranteed $5.25 million base salary in the final season of a four-year, $24 million contract. The 29-year-old still seems to be a part of the team's plan at this stage of the offseason, but his spot on the 53-man roster won't be safe unless he agrees to a pay cut. Benjamin averaged 23.2 offensive snaps in 12 games during the 2018 season, catching 12 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown while adding seven carries for 41 yards. The Chargers may eventually release him if Cantrell, Davis or another young player appears ready for the No. 3 WR job.

Benjamin failed to corral either of his targets Sunday in the Chargers' 41-28 divisional-round loss to the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Even with a 35-7 halftime deficit forcing the Chargers into catch-up mode early, Benjamin still couldn't carve out a sizable role in the passing attack behind fellow wideouts Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Mike Williams. Benjamin only played 21 of the Chargers' 71 offensive snaps during the contest, marking the fourth straight game in which he's been below 25 snaps. Benjamin is under contract for 2019, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Chargers parted ways with him this offseason in light of his minimal role on offense along with the emergence of Desmond King as the team's top return man.

Benjamin caught all three of his targets for 11 yards in the 23-17 wild-card win over the Ravens on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The Chargers opted to use Austin Ekeler as their primary jet sweep option, utilizing Benjamin more as a running decoy than anything else. There's a possibility Benjamin could see more than his 16 offensive snaps next week in an effort to implement more lateral movement against a suspect Patriots defense, but he still ranks far below the likes of Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates and Mike Williams when it comes to potential receiving options.

Benjamin finished the season with 12 receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown. He also carried the ball seven times for 41 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Benjamin "played" in 12 games, but only six of those required him to partake in more than 20 offensive snaps as the Chargers essentially opted to use his speed primarily as a decoy. Injuries also limited Benjamin's role as a special teams player, with the likes of Desmond King emerging as the primary returner. With just one year remaining and a dead cap hit of $1.2 million left on the deal he signed in 2016, it's not a certainty Benjamin will remain on the team in 2019, but his ability to stretch the field might be more valuable to the offense than his statistics the last two seasons might indicate.

Benjamin caught one of his three targets for 11 yards and also carried the ball once for six yards in the loss Saturday to the Ravens.

EDGE Analysis

Keenan Allen dominated the targets among the Chargers' wide receivers Saturday, as Tyrell Williams, Mike Williams and Benjamin combined to catch three of eight targets for a measly 30 yards. Benjamin is very clearly the No. 4 or 5 option in terms of receiving options when everyone is healthy, but his speed makes him arguably a more important real life asset than fantasy.

Benjamin caught two of his three targets for 57 yards and also registered one carry for eight yards in the 29-28 win over the Chiefs on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Benjamin's two catches didn't come until the fourth quarter, but they were incredibly pivotal, as both wound up extending the eventual game-winning drive. Even with the likes of Keenan Allen (hip) out for much of the second half, Benjamin barely factored in the offense and remains a longshot in terms of fantasy relevance.

Benjamin caught his lone reception for 11 yards in Sunday's 26-21 victory over the Bengals.

EDGE Analysis

One week after snagging his first touchdown of the season, Benjamin promptly fell back down to earth, posting his fifth game this season with one or fewer catches. It's difficult to recommend starting Benjamin until he factors more into the offense given he's averaging 1.9 targets this season.