The Minnesota Vikings hope to return to their winning ways after dropping consecutive games to the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams. Their Week 9 opponents are the Indianapolis Colts and the location of that contest is U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Vikings may have the home-field advantage, but that doesn't guarantee a great showing from the purple and gold. Minnesota is currently 5-2 on the season with a 3-1 record at home yet sitting in third place in the NFC North.
One of the biggest offensive weapons the Minnesota Vikings have is tight end T.J. Hockenson. The six-foot-five blocker and pass catcher missed the first seven games of the year but was activated off injured reserve following the team's Week 8 game against the Rams.
Is T.J. Hockenson playing today vs. Colts? Full injury update
Leading up to the Vikings' Week 9 game against the Colts, T.J. Hockenson was a full participant in practice, giving a lot of hope that Minnesota's tight end would be ready to suit up for his first game of the 2024 NFL season.
On the final injury report, Hockenson did not receive a designation. Although his knee injury is still noted on the report, Here are the players from Minnesota and Indianapolis who received a designation heading into the game:
Minnesota Vikings
OUT
Blake Cashman, linebacker - toe
Taki Taimani, defensive line - ankle
QUESTIONABLE
Akayleb Evans, cornerback - hip
Dalton Risner, guard - back
Indianapolis Colts
OUT
Bernhard Raimann, offensive tackle - concussion
Blake Cashman has been very good when in the Vikings' lineup this season. Minnesota's two losses came when the middle linebacker wasn't in the lineup. Hopefully, he can return to the team soon and rejoin Ivan Pace Jr. in the heart of the defense.
Meanwhile, Bernhard Raimann is the starting left tackle for the Colts. With him ruled out for Sunday night, Blake Freeland could get the nod to start in his place. Freeland was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The athletic blocker started nine games as a rookie.
The good news for the Minnesota Vikings is that T.J. Hockenson is expected to suit up and play on Sunday Night Football. The two-time Pro Bowl tight end should be a great addition to an explosive offense that already includes Justin Jefferson. Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones among others.