Vikings Make Decision on T.J. Hockenson
It will be one of the most consequential games of the season when the Detroit Lions try to repeat last year’s successful road game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikes currently hold the division lead after starting the campaign with a remarkable 5-0 record. Detroit, meanwhile, travels to the Twin Cities with a 4-1 record.
Vikings Make Decision on T.J. Hockenson
A two-win lead over the reigning NFC champions and the edge in the important head-to-head tie-breaker would be a huge advantage for Kevin O’Connell’s crew.
Vikings fans were hopeful star tight end T.J. Hockenson would be available for the first time in the 2024 season, but the team announced on Saturday that the receiving threat had been ruled out.
Hockenson started the season on the PUP list. He suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury late last season, coincidentally in the home game against the Lions. His former teammate Kerby Joseph has been a persona non grata in Minnesota ever since. His (legal) low tackle caused the severe injury.
In the five games without Hockenson, the Vikings have featured O’Connell’s favorite Johnny Mundt and run-block specialist Josh Oliver. The duo has combined for 13 catches, 112 yards, and two touchdowns. In addition to ruling out Hockenson, the franchise announced that veteran Robert Tonyan was signed to the 53-man roster. He had previously spent time on the practice squad and will function as the team’s third tight end.
It will once again be Mundt and Oliver taking the load at tight end, at least for one more game. Hockenson is close, and a return against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday is possible.
Asked about a potential return versus his former club in Week 7, Hock said on Thursday: “I don’t know, it all depends. Day-to-day is what we’re doing. My window is open, so (we’re) just playing it by ear each day, and as long as I’m feeling good and rolling, we’ll just keep it there.”
He’s been pretty happy about the state of his knee: “It’s healed; it’s stronger than ever, from tests when I was healthy last year to tests now,” Hockenson added. “It’s strong, stronger than it’s probably ever been, so now it’s just [about] going out there and playing ball. I mean, I’ve passed every test by miles from where my ground base was, so I’m bigger, stronger, and faster than ever.”
Prior to his injury, Hockenson had been a big part of Minnesota’s offense as a target magnet in the middle of the field. He is the perfect complementary piece for a skill position group that features star receiver Justin Jefferson and sophomore Jordan Addison, who can beat teams over the top.
Offensive guard Dalton Risner is eligible to make his season debut, too, but just like his teammate Hockenson, Risner will have to wait at least a few more days. The Vikings have also ruled him out for Sunday. He suffered a back injury in training camp and was working primarily with the second-team offense at right guard. Ed Ingram has been a controversial player, and a change to veteran Risner remains a realistic option.
It’s possible that Hockenson can add to his 155 receptions in a Vikings uniform on Thursday.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt