T.J. Hockenson Becomes Aaron Jones Insurance for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been without T.J. Hockenson since Kerby Joseph injured his knee late last season. He is now fully recovered and back at practice.
T.J. Hockenson Becomes Aaron Jones Insurance for Vikings
After joining the team in London last week, he is gearing up for his first game action. Whether it comes against the Detroit Lions or not, he represents some insurance for running back Aaron Jones.
The Minnesota Vikings always want to have their full complement of playmakers on the field. That may not be possible for the next couple of weeks, as veteran Aaron Jones suffered a hip injury against the New York Jets. His status to play against the Detroit Lions is up in the air, but he also has a lengthy injury history.
Jones has been a great signing thus far for the Vikings, but it was probably always just a matter of time before he missed game action. That could certainly happen this week, and getting another playmaker back in his place would be a significant boost.
The Vikings may give Hockenson another week before he is cleared to play. Once he does, he will join a pass-catching group that features two of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Quarterback Sam Darnold has already made it work with Jordan Addison, who missed time, but airing the ball out to Hockenson, Justin Jefferson, and Addison is a huge benefit.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has leaned more heavily on his passing attack throughout his time with the Vikings. Jones has shown himself to be a competent runner but also has been active in the passing game. Having a high-quality backup in Ty Chandler is a big bonus, but Hockenson can be a steadying presence while Jones is on the shelf.
The NFL regular season is a gauntlet not only in terms of opponents but also in the ability to remain healthy and play through the 17-game season. So far, the Vikings have taken some lumps, but the key cogs of their roster have generally been available on a weekly basis. The further they can trend towards a perfectly clean bill of health in the coming weeks, the better.
Already 5-0, Minnesota has some breathing room, but it would be well served not to utilize it until absolutely necessary.
Vikings Re-Up with Familiar Defender
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.