The Minnesota Vikings have opened up the practice window for their star tight end, T.J. Hockenson.
The Vikings are close to getting their key offensive piece back in the lineup, and it could happen sooner rather than later.
On Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters that tight end T.J. Hockenson will travel to London with the team and participate in Friday’s practice.
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
T.J. Hockenson will practice Friday for the Vikings, opening his 21-day window, Kevin O’Connell said. Possible he plays as soon as Oct. 20 vs the Lions.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) October 2, 2024
The Vikings are opening up the 21-day window, and Hockenson could return as soon as Oct. 20 against the Lions during Week 7. The Vikings have an early bye week this year, which lands in Week 6.
O’Connell said he’s loved what he’s seen thus far from his star tight end.
“He’s done a great job,” O’Connell said. “He feels great, but we’ve got to get him acclimated back to football. So, that’s kinda the plan.”
Hockenson said he’d like to be out there as soon as possible but is relying on the team to gauge when he is ready to play.
“I’ve been pushing to get out there as fast as I can,” he said, “but obviously I told them at the beginning. I’m kind of a workhorse. I’m going to do everything times two that you’re going to tell me to do. You’re going to have to put the reins on me and hold me back.”
The 27-year-old tore his ACL in a game against the Lions last Christmas Eve. Hockenson has had a solid career. He started with the Detroit Lions, who selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the No. 8 overall pick.
In three-plus years with the Lions, he recorded 186 catches on 287 targets for 2,068 yards, 15 touchdowns, and averaged 11.1 yards per reception in 47 games. Prior to the 2022 NFL trade deadline, the Lions traded Hockenson along with a 2023 fourth-round draft pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round draft pick to the Vikings in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round draft pick.
Hockenson finished the 2022 season with 86 receptions for 914 yards and six touchdowns over his time with the Lions and Vikings. The tight end is a two-time Pro Bowler, with his last appearance coming in 2022.
In 25 games with the Vikings, Hockenson has recorded 155 catches on 213 targets, eight touchdowns, and averages 9.5 yards per reception. The Vikings, who are already 4-0 and off to a great start to the season, will be getting back a key piece to their offense soon.
With the talents of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and Sam Darnold combined, the Vikings could be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
The Vikings offense is already as elite as it can be, ranked fourth in points per game (29.0), 10th in yards per game (340.8), seventh in yards per play (6.0), and third in touchdowns per game (3.5).
More news: Dolphins Star Jaelan Phillips Announces Season-Ending Injury
For more news on the Vikings, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
