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

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has stated there is no specific timeline for tight end T.J. Hockenson's (knee) return from his ACL and MCL injuries. Still, he appears to be making excellent physical progress. Hockenson is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, which he sustained in a late-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although rumors suggest he might return sooner than anticipated, a mid-October return seems more realistic based on current data. While Vikings coaches are optimistic about Hockenson's recovery, there is a significant difference between running and cutting in practice gear and performing under game conditions with full contact. Consequently, Hockenson's fantasy value has been considerably impacted. Although he has a strong track record, catching four or more passes in 22 of 25 games with the Vikings, fantasy managers are often wary of players who will miss several weeks. However, if your league includes an IR slot, Hockenson could be a worthwhile late-round pick as insurance for the end of the season.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is not likely to be ready for Week 1 of the new NFL season. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Hockenson could miss anywhere from three to seven weeks to start the season as he still recovers from an ACL tear last year. Despite some of the latest reports saying that he's recovering ahead of schedule, it doesn't seem like the Vikings will take any chances and make sure he's as close to 100% healthy as possible. That means backups Josh Oliver, Robert Tonyan, and Johnny Mundt will compete to see who gets a bulk of the workload while Hockenson remains sidelined.

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.