According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. But while Hockenson will not make his long-awaited return from injury, Schefter also reports that he will be set to make his season debut when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 on Sunday, November 3rd.
Schefter reports that the plan is for Hockenson to be activated at the end of his 21-day practice window on Friday.
While it will frustrate Vikings fans (and anyone who plays fantasy football), it’s stayed the course with how the team has handled Hockenson’s recovery from a multi-ligament knee injury.
Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson will reportedly make 2024 debut in Week 9 vs. the Indianapolis Colts
Hockenson tore his ACL and sprained his MCL after a hit from Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph last Christmas Eve. Surgery had to be delayed until the swelling in his knee subsided, but all reports were positive on Hockenson’s recovery with the Vikings training staff supervising his workouts in Nashville.
But while everything was optimistic, there was a sense of caution. Hockenson remained non-committal when he was asked about a timetable for his injury and the Vikings placed him on the physically unable to perform list during training camp, forcing him to miss the first four games of the season.
The Vikings opened the 21-day practice window for Hockenson to return on October 4th, but he missed the team’s Week 5 game in London. A bye provided some optimism that Hockenson would be able to return against the Detroit Lions last Sunday, but Hockenson was held out and is being held out again for Thursday’s game against the Rams.
It’s a luxury the Vikings can afford at this point of the season after posting a 5-1 record. By holding Hockenson out, he has another 11 days to prepare for his season debut and should be all systems go when the Vikings host the Colts on Sunday Night Football.
It’s something the Vikings opponent on Thursday can’t afford to do as the Rams are activating wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua as they fight for their playoff lives with a 2-4 record. While the decision may be disappointing, it may be for the best, and Hockenson be at his best as the Vikings push for a top spot in the NFC.