Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is facing a significant setback after a series of tests revealed that he tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in his right knee during the team’s 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as announced by coach Kevin O’Connell on Tuesday.
In light of this injury, Hockenson will be placed on injured reserve, and plans for surgery are underway. The recovery process for double ligament tears typically takes an extended period, but O’Connell expressed optimism, saying, “Knowing T.J., the type of player he is, I’m absolutely looking forward to when we can get him back rolling and ready to have a great 2024 season.”
The unfortunate incident occurred on the Vikings’ second offensive play of the third quarter when Hockenson, after making a leaping catch for a 24-yard pass, suffered a hit to the knee from Lions safety Kerby Joseph. Subsequently, he jogged to the sideline and was promptly ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Coach O’Connell lamented the nature of the injury, highlighting the risks associated with low hits, stating, “It was a very, very unfortunate play. We’ve done a nice job [in the NFL] of helping take out some of those head and neck area hits to the defenseless players, [but] some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys. It was awful to see that happen.”
Hockenson had been enjoying a stellar season, ranking second in the NFL in catches by tight ends (95), third in receiving yards (960), and standing out as the Vikings’ most consistent offensive threat amid injuries to quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson.
Since joining the Vikings from the Lions at the 2022 trade deadline, Hockenson leads all NFL tight ends with 155 receptions. He had signed a four-year contract extension in August, worth at least $66 million and up to $68.5 million.
With Hockenson sidelined, the Vikings will rely on veteran tight ends Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt, who have a combined 27 receptions this season. Second-year player Nick Muse is also on the roster but has not seen game action.
In addition to Hockenson’s injury, O’Connell confirmed that linebacker D.J. Wonnum suffered a torn left quadriceps during Sunday’s game, ending his season. Wonnum, who achieved a career-high eight sacks this season, will be eligible for free agency in the winter.
Two other players, receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder), who left the game with injuries, are considered day-to-day, according to O’Connell.
