The Minnesota Vikings plan to start tight end T.J. Hockenson’s practice window later this week, bringing him closer to returning from the torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he hurt on December 24 during the Week 16 game last season.
Coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Wednesday that Hockenson, who began the season on the physically unable to perform list, will begin practicing with the team on Friday in London.
He will then have 21 days to continue preparing before the Vikings (4-0) need to add him to the active roster.
“I’ve been pushing to get out there as fast as I can, but I told them at the beginning: ‘I’m kind of a workhorse. Throughout this whole process, I’m going to do everything times two that you’re going to tell me to do, so you’re going to have to put the reins on me and pull me back,’” Hockenson said on Wednesday after finishing his individual workout.
Hockenson thanked vice president of player health and performance Tyler Williams, associate head athletic trainer/director of rehabilitation Matt Duhamel, and the rest of their staff for managing his eagerness without allowing him to rush.
“These guys have done a really good job of not really putting timelines in my head, because that stuff really gets to me,” Hockenson said.
“They did a really great job of just being like, ‘Hey, today’s today, and attack that goal and just go after it,’ so that’s what I’ve done throughout this entire process. There’s been hundreds of goals and I’ve tried to hit every single one of them.”
After the Vikings play the New York Jets in London on Sunday, they will have a bye week before their home game against the Detroit Lions on October 20. Since their next game against the Los Angeles Rams is on Thursday night, October 24, the Vikings could choose to wait three more games for Hockenson if he isn’t ready.
