The Minnesota Vikings opted to sit tight end T.J. Hockenson for their Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Rams. However, the team plans to activate him to the 53-man roster on Friday, ensuring he’s available for their Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts on “Sunday Night Football.” This marks a significant milestone for Hockenson, who has been out of action since tearing his ACL and MCL in December during a game against the Detroit Lions. His recovery process included training camp and much of the regular season, where he remained on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
To maximize Hockenson’s recovery time, the Vikings opened his 21-day practice window on October 4. This approach gave them the flexibility to either activate him this week or wait until his deadline on Friday. Without activating him by then, they risk losing him for the season. The team used this window to carefully evaluate his physical readiness, ensuring he was fully healed and conditioned to return to competitive play. This strategy highlights the Vikings’ commitment to safeguarding Hockenson’s health while aiming to reintroduce him strategically.
Hockenson himself feels prepared and eager to rejoin the lineup. Speaking to reporters last week, he shared that his knee is now “stronger than ever” and emphasized that his recovery process has been highly successful. According to him, he’s passed all his physical tests with flying colors, even exceeding his pre-injury performance benchmarks. Hockenson’s enthusiasm about his progress reflects his confidence in his recovery and his readiness to make an impactful return for the Vikings.
Since joining the Vikings through a mid-season trade in 2022, Hockenson has played a pivotal role in their offense. In his 25 games with the team, he has caught 155 passes, more than any other tight end in the league, while also amassing 1,479 receiving yards, the second-highest among tight ends during that period. This level of performance has made him a crucial offensive target, making his absence this season particularly challenging for the Vikings’ playbook.
During Hockenson’s absence, the Vikings relied on backups Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver, each of whom has recorded a touchdown. Coach Kevin O’Connell adjusted the offensive strategy to lessen reliance on tight ends, which has led the Vikings to average just four targets per game to the position—a league low. To date, Mundt and Oliver have combined for 18 receptions and 125 yards this season, showing the limitations without Hockenson and underscoring the impact his return could have on the Vikings’ offense.
