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TJ Hockenson to miss start of 2024 season, per report

Sean Labar

By Sean Labar

Published:

TJ Hockenson, the star tight end and former Iowa Hawkeye, won’t be suiting up for the Minnesota Vikings for the start of the 2024 NFL season, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

“Minnesota is leaving TE TJ Hockenson on the Physically Unable to Perform List, which means he is ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season, per sources,” Schefter reported on X. “Hockenson still is recovering from last season’s torn ACL but is expected to return this season.”

This isn’t great news for the Vikings, who are attempting to win the NFC North without Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Hockenson is the perfect safety blanket for Sam Darnold, who many insiders believe will thrive in Kevin O’Connell’s offense despite failing with the Jets, 49ers and Panthers.

The Vikings were a different offense with Hockenson available last season.

Before suffering the season-ending injury in Week 16, Hockenson ranked second among tight ends in catches (95), third in receiving yards (960), and second in yards per game (64.0). He emerged as O’Connell’s most consistent matchup-winner and offensive threat in a season where Cousins and star receiver Justin Jefferson missed a combined 16 games.

The Vikings locked down Jefferson to a record-breaking contract extension this offseason and according to USA Today’s Vikings Wire, there’s doubt if second-year WR Jordan Addison will be ready for the season opener as he heals from an ankle sprain. As of now, there is no timeline for Hockenson’s return, but for Week 1, it won’t be a surprise to see a heavy dose of Jefferson as the Vikings are slim when it comes to offensive weapons.

Sean Labar