T.J. Hockenson Updates His Injury Status
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson likely won’t play this Sunday versus the New Orleans Saints.
But tight end T.J. Hockenson probably will.
T.J. Hockenson Updates His Injury Status
That’s the midweek prognosis for both men, with Vikings-Saints just three days away. New Orleans is expected to top the Vikings by 2.5 points per oddsmakers.
Hockenson is dealing with a rib and oblique injury, as the productive Viking has been unusually battered in recent weeks. He was a necessary game-changer against the Atlanta Falcons last weekend, especially with quarterback Kirk Cousins out of the season, Justin Jefferson on injured reserve, and newcomer quarterback Josh Dobbs flinging the rock.
Without Jefferson and in large part because of Hockenson’s dependability, the Vikings have won their last four games, salvaging the season to the tune of a temporary playoff spot with the NFC’s No. 7 seed.
Reporters asked Hockenson if he would play Sunday in another pivotal NFC matchup, and the 26-year-old replied, “That’s the plan.”
Hockenson ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards among tight ends (547) entering Week 10, trailing only Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (597). His 3 touchdowns rank seventh, and Hockenson has remained a staple in the Vikings offense since joining the club one year ago. He’s had the ball thrown in his direction 60 times this season, the most in the NFL for a tight end.
Other sections of the Vikings injury situation aren’t so rosy. Kirk Cousins, Cam Akers, and Marcus Davenport are on injured reserve. Cousins and Akers are out for the year, while Davenport should return sometime later this month. Jefferson is day-to-day and could be back for Week 11 or 12.
Hockenson, left tackle Christian Darrisaw, and K.J. Osborn were all limited at practice on Thursday, perhaps trending to play this weekend. Rookie quarterback Jaren Hall is in the NFL’s concussion protocol and did not practice Thursday.
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor was a full participant and could see his first regular season action of the year versus New Orleans. Without Jefferson, the Vikings will welcome all the hungry pass-catchers they can find against a formidable Saints secondary.
Hockenson has played the Saints just once in his career — an odd circumstance because he’s played in the NFC for 4.5 seasons — tallying 2 receptions for 9 yards and a touchdown.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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