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5 players to watch in Friday's preseason games

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Week 3 of the preseason kicks off Friday night with three matchups, including a tilt between the New England Patriots and the now Kelvin Benjamin-less Carolina Panthers.

Here are five players to watch:

Reggie Wayne, WR, New England Patriots

Wayne crossed enemy lines this week, signing a one-year deal with New England after spending the previous 14 years of his career with the conference-rival Indianapolis Colts. Friday's game will offer the first glimpse of the 36-year-old in a Patriots uniform.

The Patriots are dealing with a rash of injuries at the wide receiver position, but that doesn't guarantee Wayne a job. How he performs in the team's final two preseason games will go a long way toward determining whether he makes the final roster.

Devin Funchess, WR, Carolina Panthers

With Benjamin lost for the season to a torn ACL, the Panthers will now turn to Funchess to help fill the void in the passing game. Head coach Ron Rivera is confident the rookie can succeed as the team's new No. 1 receiver.

Funchess had two catches for a team-high 53 yards in the preseason opener before sitting out of the the Panthers' 31-30 victory over the Miami Dolphins with a tight hamstring. He's expected to play a bigger role Monday against the defending Super Bowl champions.

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

After being held out of the Jaguars' previous two preseason games with a hand injury, Yeldon will make his debut Friday against the Lions.

Yeldon faced plenty of speedy and athletic defensive linemen during his time at Alabama and is eager to get his first taste of NFL speed. Head coach Gus Bradley said he expects Yeldon to take the majority of reps with the first-team offense, which should provide fans with a good look at the second-round pick.

Zach Zenner, RB, Detroit Lions

Zenner has made a strong case for a roster spot since signing with the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State, with some dubbing him the "camp darling" of 2015.

Through two preseason games, Zenner leads the Lions with 77 rushing yards on 17 carries and ranks third on the team in receiving with six catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. With Bell still recovering from minor procedures on his knee and Achilles, Zenner should see plenty of action against the Jaguars.

Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans

Walker led the Titans in receptions and receiving yards in 2014, and figures to be a big part of the offense again this season. He was sidelined for the first two preseason games because of a thumb injury, but is now healthy and ready to return to action.

Friday's matchup will be Walker's first opportunity to play with Marcus Mariota and work on his chemistry with the rookie quarterback.

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