New part added to the ongoing T.J. Hockenson saga

With his ear healed, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will not return to action since he is now dealing with another ailment.

The Minnesota Vikings are a much better team with T.J. Hockenson in the lineup. He and quarterback Kirk Cousins seemed to gain a quick chemistry when the tight end arrived in a trade with the Detroit Lions.

Hockenson has missed practices during training camp due to an ear infection and it seems as though the 26-year-old Iowa native is dealing with another issue that will continue to sideline him for the time being.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell delivered that news and it was shared on X by SKOR North's Sam Ekstrom on X.

When will Hockenson return to the Minnesota Vikings?

Any sort of back issue is something to be concerned with, however, there is no reason to be too worried about the situation involving T.J. Hockenson unless it continues to drag on and cause him to miss time in the regular season.

Hockenson is currently playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract picked up by the Lions before his trade to the Vikings worth about $9.4 million. Unless he receives a contract extension, he is set to become a free agent after the 2023 NFL season.

Minnesota has a lot to work out financially at the moment. They are still attempting to create a competitive roster for the upcoming season in addition to trying to figure out extensions for players like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson.

There are reports that the two sides are working on getting an extension done but Dianna Russini of The Athletic recently shared on X that the two sides aren't close on getting a deal done any time soon.

The situation involving the Minnesota Vikings and tight end T.J. Hockenson will be one for fans to follow closely. Hopefully, he can get healthy and the two sides can come to an agreement on a long-term deal to keep him with the purple and gold.