After signing with the Minnesota Vikings, T.J. Hockenson advanced his game almost immediately.
The seasoned tight end joined his new squad via trade midway through the 2022 campaign, and in 10 games, he caught 60 passes for 519 yards and three touchdowns. In 2023, he was even more effective, serving as the team’s primary target for a significant portion of the campaign while Justin Jefferson was sidelined due to injury. He caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns.
However, Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL on a low hit from Lions safety Kerby Joseph during the Vikings’ devastating Week 16 defeat to the division rival Detroit Lions. Hockenson, who underwent surgery in late January after having to wait five weeks for the swelling to go down, stated this week that he does not yet have an estimated time frame for returning to the field.
According to Hockenson, “They [the Vikings] haven’t really put a timeline on it,” per NFL Media. We’re simply going to take things day by day and week by week. There are just so many different things you can do throughout this process. I’m doing very well at the moment. We’re going after every procedure. It’s amazing how I’m going after every single one.The development has been amazing.
When he does return, Hockenson ought to be among the best options in the passing game once more, working with Jordan Addison and Jefferson to aid J.J. McCarthy’s growth. However, considering that the Vikings have a four-year, $66 million contract with him that expires in 2027, it wouldn’t be shocking if they were cautious about his return.
Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and the newly acquired Robert Tonyan from Minnesota can cover as tight end for however long Hockenson is out. And even if they lack Hockenson’s pass-catching prowess, their contributions in the run game can help the club survive.
Hockenson’s return to full strength may take some time, but whenever it does, he can provide an even bigger boost to the attack.
