Vikings make predictable decision about T.J. Hockenson for Week 1

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Minnesota Vikings will leave tight end T.J. Hockenson on the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday, ruling Hockenson out for at least the first four games of the 2024 season.

Hockenson is recovering from a multi-ligament knee injury suffered on Christmas Eve when he took a hit from Detroit Lions tight end Kerby Joseph. Hockenson suffered a torn ACL and MCL on the play, and the swelling didn’t subside until Hockenson underwent surgery in late January.

Hockenson’s recovery has been a popular topic throughout the spring, but while he repeatedly said that rehab was going well, he was non-committal about being ready for the September 8 season opener against the New York Giants.

When will Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson return in the 2024 season?

While Hockenson would be eligible for the Week 5 game against the New York Jets in London, he expressed uncertainty that he would be ready for that game during the Vikings’ schedule release. With the bye coming in Week 6, a more realistic return could happen in Week 7 when the Vikings host the Lions on October 20 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

But Hockenson’s absence will put pressure on the Vikings’ pass-catchers in the first month of the season. Justin Jefferson looks as good as ever after an injury-riddled 2023 season, but Jordan Addison is facing a possible suspension for his DUI arrest in July, and he recently suffered an ankle injury during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns.

With Johnny Mundt, Josh Oliver, and Nick Muse leading the tight end room, the injuries to Hockenson and Addison could open the door for another tight end like Robert Tonyan to make the roster or a decision to carry six receivers including Trishton Jackson and Trent Sherrfield Jr.

It’s one of many decisions the Vikings will have to make on Tuesday as teams have until 3 p.m. central time to cut down to their final 53-man roster.

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