Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates his touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Not quite yet.
That’s the word on Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered against the Detroit Lions last December.
A source tells VikingsTerritory that Hockenson will not play this Sunday, when the NFC North is up for grabs, and that Hockenson is in line to return four days later at Los Angeles for a date with the Rams. The source claims the Vikings are proceeding “ultra-cautiously” with Hockenson, and if the decision were solely up to him, he would’ve played by now.
It’s also said that there was no chance whatsoever that Hockenson would suit up in London before the bye, instead targeting Week 7 or Week 8 — with Week 8 as the clear return date as of October 14th.
The Hockenson return will be wonderful for Minnesota, especially because the offense hasn’t skipped a beat without the 27-year-old per wins and losses. Through five games, plus an undefeated record, the Vikings’ offense ranks 14th in the NFL per EPA/Play. Quarterback Sam Darnold has fully reclaimed his career, nearing the top of the NFL’s leaderboard in touchdown passes (11) and ranking ninth 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 month 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.
Hockenson’s practice window opened on Friday, October 4th, and the club has three weeks to activate the playmaker or revert him to IR.
The Vikings are favored to take down the Lions by two points on Sunday.
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 Vikings 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.