One Vikings Star Roared Back Last Weekend
He wasn’t entirely lost, but Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson stormed back to relevance in Week 3.
The Minnesota Vikings toppled the Cincinnati Bengals handily in Week 3, and along the way, one man bounced back in a big way.
Hockenson’s team eviscerated the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday 48-10, and although the defense did most of the heavy lifting, Hockenson wasn’t shy about shutting the door on any Bengals’ attempt at a comeback.
The performance was notable, as some fans wondered why Hockenson had been so quiet to start the season.
Fears of Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson’s Demise Were Premature
The Vikings’ tight end played like vintage Hockenson in Week 3.
T.J. Hockenson Pops Off after Two Quiet Games
Needing a win to escape a 1-2 start amid the “easy” part of Minnesota’s schedule, Hockenson responded on Sunday, totaling 5 receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. Hockenson built an immediate rapport with backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who is currently filling in for QB1 J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and had not, to that point, fostered too much chemistry with Hockenson.
After calls for a breakout game by Vikings fans and fantasy football managers, Hockenson delivered, hitting paydirt and posting a commendable 5 catches.
The Timing Works
For Hockenson’s revival, it’s better late than never.
He scored his first touchdown since late in the 2023 campaign against the Bengals, failing to hit paydirt last year after returning from a torn ACL. Some questioned if he was worth the money — about $16 million per season — if he never scored touchdowns, or, like in Weeks 1 and 2, didn’t do much of anything.
But as Minnesota navigates troubled quarterback waters, trying to determine whether McCarthy or Wentz can win the most games in 2025, Hockenson’s return to relevance provides swell timing. He’s needed.
Eyebrows Raised in First Two Weeks
The cries of “Where’s T.J. Hockenson?” were loud to start the month of September.
At his price point, he should not be merely an ornamental part of the enterprise. He should be the opposite, in fact, targeted 6-10 times every Sunday.
What’s more, the Vikings didn’t have Jordan Addison in the lineup because of his suspension, so all spring and summer, some offered a simple concept: “Hockenson can just be the WR2.”
That theory died when Hockenson resembled a TE3 in games against the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons.
Vikings Inch Closer to Full Strength at TE, WR
Slowly but surely, Minnesota has returned to full strength at tight end and wide receiver.
Hockenson showed signs of life in Week 3, and in Week 4, the aforementioned Addison will be back. Not long ago — at training camp and in the preseason — players like Lucky Jackson were in line to hold down WR2 or WR3 jobs. Against the Steelers across the ocean, Minnesota will feature Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jalen Nailor, Adam Thielen, and Josh Oliver. The band is back together, alas.
Other Hockenson Takes
Before Week 3, The Viking Age‘s Brad Berreman accurately predicted that Hockenson would bounce back with Wentz under center.
He wrote, “Going into the season, it seemed J.J. McCarthy’s perceived strengths as a passer lined up well for tight end T.J. Hockenson, but through two games, that has not come close to happening, as the tight end has just four catches for 27 yards on seven targets.”
“A clip of a route Hockenson ran against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 went viral for all the wrong reasons. Without some inexplicable movement during the route, it likely would have been a completion on what looked like a well-placed throw from McCarthy. It’s far too early to declare Hockenson might be cooked.”
And, of course, Hockenson responded with 5 receptions and a touchdown in a rout.
Berreman added, “The torn ACL he suffered late in the 2023 season is well behind him now, but it’s not as if he was the most athletic tight end to start with. As he said, he succeeds based on being a good route runner above all else. But something has to change, or there will be questions about Hockenson’s ability to justify what he’s being paid. The quarterback change could be a good short-term thing for the Vikings’ offense.”
“If Hockenson can’t get on a better track with Wentz under center, then some broader conversations could be had about him being in real decline.”
Hockenson and the Vikings will face Mike Tomlin’s defense next, a showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ireland.
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