It is no secret that the Minnesota Vikings have relied heavily on the receiving ability of tight end TJ Hockenson.  The team may have an elite roster of deep threats such as wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison but Hockenson has been a consistent target for backup quarterback Nick Mullens over the past few games.

Vikings Expect Bad News on TJ Hockenson Injury

Minnesota may need to figure out an alternative at the tight end position after Hockenson suffered a low hit that knocked him out of the recent loss to the Detroit Lions.  Hockenson doubled over and was immediately taken off the field and did not return to the contest.

Unfortunately for Minnesota, recent news on Hockenson doesn’t look good as the star tight end is planning on undergoing an MRI on Christmas day.  The team reportedly is holding very low expectations as the tight end is expected to miss the rest of the season with an MCL tear.  Nick Mullens will need to find an alternative option for Minnesota to figure out a run into the playoffs.

Hockenson has 95 receptions for 961 receiving yards and five touchdowns as he has established himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL.  He will be replaced by backup tight end Josh Oliver who is relatively inexperienced and certainly isn’t as strong of a receiving threat as Hockenson.

The devastating loss to Detroit not only clinched the NFC North championship for the Lions but also knocked Minnesota to 7-8.  At 7-8, Minnesota is not 8th overall in the NFC and is on the outside looking in when it comes to a playoff spot.  Minnesota will close the season with two huge games against division rival Green Bay as well as a revenge game against Detroit in the final week of the season.