Like a lot of different high-profile gamers, T.J. Hockenson is eligible to be activated from the PUP listing within the coming days. The Vikings tight finish doesn’t have a agency return goal, however he continues to make progress in his restoration.
Week 5 is the earliest Hockenson may see the sector by rule, however Week 7 was reported earlier this month to be a extra practical level for him to be activated. That contest would double as an necessary matchup for the two-time Professional Bowler since it’s towards the Lions. A sport towards his former workforce could be important, however ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Detroit matchup might now be seen as an “formidable” return date.
Schefter does add, nevertheless, that Hockenson has impressed the Vikings along with his rehab progress from the ACL and MCL tears that ended his 2023 marketing campaign. The season, his first full one in Minnesota, produced profession highs in catches (95) and yards (960) together with 5 touchdowns. Hockenson’s absence was acutely felt on offense to shut out the 12 months, though the Vikings have surged out of the gate in 2024. Having the previous first-rounder again within the fold will however give the workforce a notable enhance.
Minnesota has a powerful receiver tandem with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, however the workforce’s tight finish depth has been examined with Hockenson out of the image. Josh Oliver logged a 50 % snap share by means of the primary three video games of the season, however he registered solely two catches throughout that span. Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse are additionally in place, however in fact, none of these choices supply the upside of Hockenson.
The Iowa product is on the books by means of 2027 because of $16.5M-per-year extension he inked final offseason. Hockenson’s long-term well being is a key precedence given Minnesota’s monetary dedication to him, and a cautious method would come as no shock. Additional updates on his restoration and the workforce’s follow plan shall be price watching carefully as a return to motion attracts nearer.
