Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) runs after a catch against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports.
This weekend, the Minnesota Vikings will get T.J. Hockenson back against the Indianapolis Colts. Active for the first time this season, Kevin O’Connell will get to experience the full complement of his offense in 2024. That is going to change a couple of things, though, and Hockenson’s individual performance can also be evaluated.
Early this year, it has been the Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones show for the Vikings. O’Connell isn’t one to lean on the run, but he has certainly appreciated having a capable back. Jefferson continues to be the best receiver on the planet, and he has turned in more than a couple of notable performances. Neither of those players should expect to see much of a change in their role.
Unfortunately, Jordan Addison has been somewhat of a failure to launch. He has yet to truly be integrated back into the offense and looks much more like an afterthought than a threat. While he has struggled to generate consistent targets thus far, it’s hard to imagine the return of Hockenson does anything to help his future prospects.
Sam Darnold has never had a tight end like Hockenson. The former Lions pass catcher put up a career-high in yardage last year with Minnesota, and he did so despite playing just 15 games. With inconsistent cornerback play and being hurt before the end of the season, it stands to reason that health and consistency would only benefit him further.
Thus far, Darnold hasn’t needed to rely heavily on safety blankets. He hasn’t been the checkdown artist that Kirk Cousins so often was synonymous with being. That doesn’t mean Darnold won’t appreciate having another big body in the middle of the field. Minnesota has given him only Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt to this point. Neither would be regarded as a weapon from a passing game standpoint.
Minnesota doesn’t need Hockenson to come back and put up triple-digit yards or multiple touchdowns. It wouldn’t be shocking to see his name featured prominently in the box score, and the Colts will have their hands full trying to cover Darnold’s potential targets.
As much as the intrigue will surround what Hockenson looks like on his own, there is also plenty to consider regarding where the falloff happens.
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.