It has the potential to play out like a movie storyline for T.J. Hockenson on Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions inside U.S. Bank Stadium.
What better opportunity for Hockenson to make his 2024 regular-season debut than against his former team in the same venue where Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph used his helmet to deliver a hit that resulted in a torn ACL for the Vikings tight end last year?
Everything seems to be lining up perfectly for Hockenson to make his return to the field this weekend. But thanks to a slip of the tongue by Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson on Thursday, it doesn't sound like the veteran tight end will be suiting up on Sunday against Detroit.
Justin Jefferson reveals T.J. Hockenson not playing for Minnesota Vikings in Week 7 vs. Detroit Lions
During his weekly session with the local media on Thursday, Jefferson was asked about what it means for Minnesota's offense to be getting Hockenson back in the near future.
The Vikings star wide receiver shared his excitement about the tight end's eventual return, but he also unintentionally shared that the return won't be taking place this week against the Lions.
"It's great. To add another weapon to our system and to all the other weapons that we have on our offense is definitely something that we're excited about.
...I wanted him to come back this week, but sadly, he has to get that preparation of being in front of people and running routes on people. But we'll have him soon, so I'm definitely looking forward to it."
It's not a significant surprise that Hockenson won't be making his regular-season debut on Sunday, but it's still a bit of a bummer for Minnesota fans who were hoping to see him in action this weekend.
In the end, the Vikings are going to whatever is best for Hockenson and his future, and for now, he'll continue to cheer on his teammates from the sideline. However, it shouldn't be much longer until he gets to rejoin everyone back in the huddle.