T.J. Hockenson, the Minnesota Vikings’ standout tight end, was acquired from the Detroit Lions at the trade deadline during the 2022-23 NFL season. The deal instantly paid off for the Vikings, where he thrived in the second half of the 2022 season and the most of the 2023 season.
Last season, in Week 16, Lions Safety Kirby Joseph delivered a filthy blow to Hockenson’s knee. He was immediately removed from the game and later diagnosed with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. He has been rehabilitating from the knee injury ever since.
When will T.J. Hockenson return to the Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell have been hazy this summer about T.J.’s return date; but, local beat reporter Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) may have provided some clarification on his timeframe.
I believe [T.J. Hockenson is] on the PUP list for six weeks. Week six’s bye is neatly scheduled here. And then, look who’s on the agenda for week seven. Lions. His old friend, Kirby Joseph.
According to Goessling on the Access Vikings Podcast, T.J. Hockenson is expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Any player on the PUP list before the season begins is obliged to miss at least four games.
Goessling then suggests that they may keep him out of the week five trip to London against the New York Jets and use his bye week in week six for extra recovery time. T.J. would then make his 2024-25 season debut against his previous squad at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 7, as well as Kirby Joseph, the Lions player who hurt him last season.
TJ Hockenson’s Recovery Timeline
Although the organization has not provided supporters with any firm information regarding his expected comeback from his knee injury, this gem from Goessling is one of the most detailed reports on when we should expect him to return.
Hockenson’s recuperation appears to be doing well, but the Vikings want to ensure he is fully fit before returning to the field. There is no reason to rush him considering the importance he offers to the club and the Vikings’ investment in him.
At this moment, it seems evident that Hockenson will not be ready for the season. The Vikings have made significant investments in tight ends this offseason, and there are already seven on the roster. This is by far the highest total of any team this season. We hope to see Hockenson sooner rather than later, but his return will most certainly require patience.
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