The Minnesota Vikings are coming off two losses in five days, and their offense has hit a skid after a fast start early in the season.
The good news is they have a few extra days to rest and prepare following their Thursday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Plus, tight end T.J. Hockenson appears poised to return from injury.
What’s the latest on Hockenson’s status? Will he play in Week 9 when the Vikings face the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium?
What Happened to T.J. Hockenson?
Last season, Hockenson suffered a torn ACL and MCL against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 24. The injury ended what was a fantastic season for Hockenson, who racked up 95 catches for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. The receptions and yards were both career highs for the veteran tight end.
It was a brutal blow for Hockenson, who appeared in all 17 games in 2022. He previously suffered a season-ending thumb injury in 2021 and a season-ending ankle injury as a rookie in 2019.
Hockenson began the 2024 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, requiring him to miss at least the first four games.
When Will Hockenson Return From Injury?
Those who follow the Vikings may be predisposed to becoming impatient when it comes to a return from ACL reconstruction, considering Adrian Peterson returned in fewer than 10 months in 2012 to lead the NFL in rushing and win MVP honors the following season.
Hockenson, who, like Peterson, injured his knee on Christmas Eve, has not returned to action yet, and the Vikings have already played eight games.
But NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Vikings have no concerns about Hockenson’s recovery. They insist there have been no setbacks, and they expect to have the star tight end back on the field for their Week 9 game at home against the Colts.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
Hockenson returned to practice on Oct. 4 when the Vikings opened his 21-day practice window. He was a limited participant in practice last Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in advance of the Vikings’ Thursday night game in Los Angeles against the Rams. Initially listed as questionable, Hockenson was ruled out several hours before kickoff.
The Week 8 deactivation marked the second consecutive week he practiced in a limited capacity all week, only to be inactive on game day. However, the Vikings added Hockenson to their 53-man roster on Oct. 25, so all signs point to him playing this week.
How Has Hockenson’s Absence Impacted the Vikings?
Hockenson is one of the best tight ends in the NFL, so it’s extremely difficult to replace his production.
While Hockenson has been out, the Vikings have relied on backup tight ends Johnny Mundt (14 receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown) and Josh Oliver (seven receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns).
Still, Minnesota’s offense is much scarier with Hockenson on the field. Despite not being at full strength, the Vikings have exceeded expectations early in the season, starting 5-2.
From a fantasy football standpoint, the tight end position is a dumpster fire, so Hockenson will likely be in your starting lineup the moment he returns for the Vikings.
While he might have some slow weeks in the beginning, 75% of Hockenson in an offense far better than we assumed when we were drafting over the summer is better than the vast majority of tight ends in the sport.
Hockenson has an elite upside, and he could have a strong second half of the season if he’s close to full strength.