2-Time Pro Bowler Gets Honest About Pending Return to Field With Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0 and can reach 5-0 with a home date versus a potentially wounded Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in Week 5. For as hot of a start as the Vikings have gotten off to, they are missing two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Hockenson tore multiple ligaments in his knee during a Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions in 2023. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced they are opening the 21-day window for Hockenson to return from injured reserve.
“There’s a vibe around here, but there always is. So I think, however the guys are doing, I just want to be out there with them and, obviously, enjoy the winning with them and, even if that’s not where we were at in the point. But to be just out there, with the guys, playing the game that you love, is football. So that’s going to be funny, either way,” Hockenson told reporters on October 2.
“When I get out there, I like to have fun, put a smile on people’s faces. So I think that’s just really what I’m excited to get out there to do. Just enjoy the moment with the guys and really just continue to be a part of this team. And just bring a vibe that we already have, but I can continue out on the field.”
“We will be opening T.J.’s window on Friday. Want to get his window opened up and get him going here,” O’Connell told reporters on October 2. “Friday gives us 21 days.
“21 days from then gives us the bye week and two football games with us playing on Thursday the second week after the bye. So that gives us some flexibility at 20 days to have him either ready to go, see where he’s at and his availability for the Lions game, and then, like I said, we have the flexibility for the following based upon he’s done a great job, he feels great. But we’ve got to get him acclimated back to football.”
The Vikings rank fourth in points scored in 10th in total yards gained in 2024. Their passing game, which ranks 10th in yards and first in passing touchdowns thanks to Sam Darnold, could get a significant boost from Hockenson’s return.
He had 95 receptions for 960 yards and 5 touchdowns in 15 games in 2023.
“Just going to be great to have him back on the grass with the guys,” O’Connell said. “I know he’s been really looking forward to it.”
