The Minnesota Vikings have received yet another setback prior to the commencement of the new NFL season following T.J. Hockenson’s injury. The seasoned tight end recorded his best receiving statistics last term, bringing in 95 receptions for 960 yards. As a result, his fitness issues have gravely hampered the Vikings’ prospects in the 2024-25 campaign. But what actually happened to the American international?
Here are all the available details regarding T.J. Hockenson’s prolonged injury and his estimated date of return.
How did T.J. Hockenson get injured while playing football?
The 27-year-old athlete suffered from a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee during a season game last year.
The incident occurred towards the latter half of the 2023-24 NFL season during the Minnesota Vikings’ game against the Detroit Lions. Due to the grievous nature of his injury, T.J. Hockenson was placed on the injured reserve list in December 2023 and has remained on the treatment table since.
When will T.J. Hockenson return to play with the Minnesota Vikings?
While the exact date of his return hasn’t been disclosed by the Vikings, T.J. Hockenson is expected to recover from his injury by October of this year.
According to Minnesota sports insider and KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, he could remain on the sidelines until the bye week is over. As per Athlon Sports, Wolfson has claimed that T.J. Hockenson has looked hesitant of late owing to his serious leg injury, with October estimated to be the month of his return. Wolfson stated, “I think bottom line with Hockenson, after the bye, does that mean late October? Early November? It’s still going to be a bit.”
Apart from T.J. Hockenson, the Vikings also have several star players on their injury list. Robert Tonyan recently left the training camp after suffering from back spasms. Meanwhile, Jordan Addison is currently out with a sprained ankle.
