Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
He almost certainly won’t play in London versus the New York Jets, but Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson took his next step to return on Wednesday.
The Vikings’ main social media account tweeted, “Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announced that the Vikings will open T.J. Hockenson’s 21-day practice window this Friday.”
Barring a setback, Hockenson will be in Minnesota’s lineup within the next three weeks — which realistically means after the bye week at home versus the Detroit Lions or on the road at the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football.
A source told VikingsTerritory last week that Hockenson would likely return for the Rams game.
The Hockenson return will be wonderful for Minnesota, especially because the offense hasn’t skipped a beat without the 27-year-old. Through four games, plus an undefeated record, the Vikings’ offense ranks seventh in the NFL per EPA/Play. Quarterback Sam Darnold has fully reclaimed his career, leading the NFL in touchdown passes (11) and ranking third leaguewide per EPA+CPOE, an efficiency metric measuring expected wins added.
With Hockenson in the mix, Minnesota’s offense can soar even higher, a concept that should further frighten opponents.
No Hockenson-like tight end has emerged in his stead. By committee, the Vikings have relied on Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt for TE duties through four games. So far, the club is undefeated and sits atop the NFC North by its lonesome.
Hockenson was on the brink of becoming the Vikings’ first 1,000+ yard tight end in 42 years before the ACL tear in 2023. Joe Senser achieved the mark in 1981, and Hockenson fell 40 yards short. When wide receiver Justin Jefferson was injured for seven games last October and November, Hockenson was often the glue that kept the offense together.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell replied earlier this week when asked about Hockenson’s back-to-work date: “Yeah, we’re working through that right now based upon the unique aspect of this week (going to London), and then leading right into the bye week. We’ll have some dialog and try to do what’s best for both those guys to be in their best positions to maximize that window and when they’re available to us, they’re going to be available. I’m excited about both those guys.”
“Both of those guys” referred to Hockenson and offensive guard Dalton Risner, although there is no word yet on Risner’s practice window.
O’Connell added, “They’ve been working really hard behind the scenes and, both T.J. and Dalton are here for the plan that we kind of set upon at the end of training camp, knowing right about the time we get them back, it would be a nice boost for our team. So want to give them the ample amount of practice time, because it’s one thing to just open a window, but what does that practice look like?”
Minnesota is favored to defeat the Jets this weekend by 2.5 points, its first non-underdog status since Week 1.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.