T.J. Hockenson's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), currently over seven months into his recovery from a torn ACL, is advancing faster than anticipated and could be an option for Week 1. Hockenson, who recorded 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns in the first 15 games of the season before his injury, suffered the ACL tear on December 24. He had to wait until January 29 for surgery due to knee swelling. Given the timing of his injury and his crucial role on the team, it seems unlikely that he will be ready for the start of September. The Vikings are expected to prioritize his full recovery, which might delay his return into the regular season. Although Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is optimistic about Hockenson's progress, Hockenson will probably begin the season on reserve/PUP, sidelining him for at least the first four games of 2024. In his absence, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Robert Tonyan will be the tight ends on the roster, but none currently offer significant fantasy value.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) will start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. It's not a surprise, although O'Connell said Hockenson is "well ahead of schedule" with his rehab from ACL surgery in late January. The 27-year-old tight end tore his ACL at the end of last season and is doubtful to be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 campaign despite being ahead of scheduled this offseason. In addition to coming off a major injury, Hockenson will be more of a fantasy question mark now that he's going from quarterback Kirk Cousins to a potential mixture of Sam Darnold and rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy this season. Even when Hockenson does return to the field in the regular season, he's likely to be eased in, so he should be considered more of a high-end TE2 stash in fantasy football drafts this fall.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), who tore his ACL and MCL in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions last year, isn't putting a timeline on his return in 2024. "They haven't really put a timeline on it," Hockenson said. "We're just kinda taking it day by day, week by week, there's just so many variables that you can go through in this process. I'm doing really good right now. We're attacking each process. I'm attacking each one and it's been awesome, the progression has been incredible." Even if Hockenson isn't available for the Week 1 season opener this fall, he should be drafted in all fantasy leagues as a surefire, high-end TE1 when healthy, although he will be taking passes from either quarterback Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy in 2024. In 15 games last year, Hockenson had 95 catches for 960 yards and five touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is ahead of scheduled in his rehab this offseason, but the Vikings are committed to ensuring he is fully healthy before he plays. Last year's contract cemented the team's belief that he is one of its cornerstone players when he's healthy, and they aren't just going to rush a player like that back from a severe injury. Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt will fill in if Hockenson needs to miss the first couple weeks of the 2204 season. Hockenson suffered a torn right ACL and MCL in late December last year, and his recovery this offseason will be a big storyline for Minnesota's offense as they move to a new era without quarterback Kirk Cousins. When healthy, Hockenson is a high-end TE1 in fantasy, but he'll come at a discounted price in drafts this fall if it's looking like he won't be ready to start the year on time.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) underwent successful surgery on Monday to fix his torn ACL. Hockenson tore both his ACL and MCL in a brutal hit to his right knee on Dec. 26 and missed the remainder of the regular season. With the injury coming so late in 2023, there's a chance the 26-year-old won't be ready to go for the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. Hockenson's rehab will be something to watch closely this spring and summer. When healthy, he's one of the better pass-catching tight ends in fantasy, although with quarterback Kirk Cousins a free agent, he could have a new QB throwing him passes in 2024. In his first full year in Minnesota in 2023 after being traded from the Detroit Lions in 2022, Hockenson caught a career-high 95 passes (127 targets) for a career-high 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games played.