Indicators from the aftermath of the Vikings’ loss over the weekend pointed to an prolonged absence for T.J. Hockenson. That has now been confirmed, as head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned Tuesday the Professional Bowl tight finish would require surgical procedure to restore ACL and MCL tears.
Hockenson was compelled to exit Minnesota’s recreation towards Detroit because of the damage, and O’Connell admitted not lengthy after that indicators had been pointing to a prolonged absence. After additional testing, the 2022 commerce acquisition is now out for the yr. The information places an finish to a productive marketing campaign, and leaves the Vikings with out one other key member of their offense attributable to a serious damage.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles tear earlier within the yr, one thing which threatened to derail the staff’s season. Particularly given the time missed by star wideout Justin Jefferson, Minnesota’s playoff prospects appeared to take a flip for the more serious. The Vikings at the moment are 7-8 on the yr, however they face uncertainty below heart and they’re going to now be with no main weapon of their passing recreation as they push for an NFC wild-card berth.
Hockenson was acquired on the commerce deadline final season in a deal which put an finish to his hot-and-cold tenure with the Lions. The intra-divisional swap resulted in a robust exhibiting within the second half of the season, as he posted a 60-519-3 stat line in 10 video games. That manufacturing proved his effectiveness in O’Connell’s system, and set him up for a serious payday within the offseason.
The 26-year-old signed a $16.5M-per-year extension in August, holding him on the books by means of 2027 and making him the league’s second-highest paid tight finish when it comes to annual compensation. That pact raised expectations for Hockenson, and he delivered in 2023 regardless of Cousins’ missed time. The Iowa alum set new profession highs in catches (95) and yards (960) in 15 video games this season. Consequently, his absence will deal a considerable blow to the Vikings’ offense.
O’Connell additionally confirmed that edge rusher D.J. Wonnum is headed to injured reserve attributable to a torn quad. That was the anticipated final result, however it confirms his season is over, one thing with important monetary implications given his standing as a pending free agent. Minnesota’s protection will probably be shorthanded because the staff approaches a pair of must-win video games, whereas the offense will likewise be with no high contributor.
With Hockenson out of the image, Josh Oliver will doubtless assume beginning duties on the TE spot. A free agent addition from this previous offseason, Oliver has established himself as a robust blocker lately, which led to a three-year, $21M contract. The previous third-rounder has made solely 19 catches serving as a complement to Hockenson this season, although. Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse have likewise seen small workloads within the passing recreation, however that might change within the speedy future.
