The NFL regular season is 48 hours away, which means football fans and fantasy managers are paying extra close attention to various injuries around the league. What’s the latest on Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson’s injury?
The Latest on T.J. Hockenson’s Health
Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in December, so it was always unlikely that he’d be able to return in time for Week 1. He impressed the Vikings’ staff at training camp, leading to rumors that he could be available for the start of the season.
However, the Vikings officially kept Hockenson on the PUP list, so he’ll have to miss at least four games before making his 2024 debut. Minnesota kept three tight ends — Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse — on its initial 53-man roster.
Given the nature of his position, it’s easier for Hockenson to return than, say, Cleveland Browns running back Chubb. However, even if he takes the field, it’s possible he won’t be able to return to form until the 2025 NFL season.
Derek Tate’s Fantasy Analysis for T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson’s ADP at No. 116 overall in the 10th round as the TE12 off the board is strictly tied to the status of his recovering knee. If he was returning in Week 1 or 2, he’d be going in the fourth or fifth-round range.
When healthy, Hockenson has a TE1 overall fantasy ceiling. His production in Minnesota on a per-game basis confirms this potential range of outcomes.
MORE: PFN’s Consensus 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings
The questions surrounding the status of his knee and the concerns about Sam Darnold potentially lower his ceiling a bit, but I still believe Hockenson is a top-five fantasy TE when healthy in 2024.
Ultimately, the goal entering every fantasy season is to win the championship. Even a pessimistic outlook for Hockenson has him available by Week 8 — which means he should be up to full speed by the time the fantasy playoffs roll around.
To me, if you can get a top-five option at tight end in the 10th round who could help elevate your fantasy team to championship heights when it matters most, you have to pull the trigger.
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