Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84) runs after the catch against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings welcomed T.J. Hockenson back to the starting lineup on Sunday. He had been out since Detroit Lions defender Kerby Joseph blew up his knee on a dirty hit. Kevin O’Connell’s offense benefitted by adding one of their better playmakers. It was a tight end game, but it wasn’t just Hockenson.
Minnesota had spent the first seven games of the season without Hockenson. It seemed like he could have been activated a bit sooner, but ultimately, they played it safe. Hockenson was out for a considerable amount of time, but his return against the Indianapolis Colts was beyond worthy of celebration.
Justin Jefferson was never going to cede targets to Hockenson, but it was possible that the other pass catches could have. Jordan Addison talked up a big performance, and he substantiated that with what may have been the catch of the year. That doesn’t mean Hockenson didn’t force his way into the box score, though.
Sam Darnold has worked with Hockenson in practice the past few weeks. Though we hadn’t seen the connection manifest on the field, one was developing behind the scenes. Against the Colts, Hockenson drew four targets and hauled in three of them for 27 yards. He was moving well and looked just like the dynamic threat he was before the injury. Going forward, that’s a very positive outcome.
Although Hockenson returned to the lineup, he wasn’t the tight end that made the difference. Josh Oliver had five receptions on five targets, and his touchdown sealed the contest. Darnold often looked to the blocking target, and Oliver responded with 58 yards. It was a coming-out game for the tight end, and coinciding with Hockenson’s return made it that much more notable.
Minnesota could have chosen to feature Hockenson with him back in the lineup. Instead, O’Connell operated with a game plan that flowed through things the team had done to this point. That meant Oliver was part of the plan, and the opposition viewed him as an afterthought thanks to Hockenson’s return.
There will be plenty of opportunity for Minnesota’s top tight end to make an impact the rest of the season. On Sunday, though, the backup did the heavy lifting despite a season debut.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.