Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will be sidelined for the first four games of the 2024 NFL season, placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he continues to recover from a torn ACL.
According to reports, the 27-year-old Hockenson is still rehabilitating from the injury he sustained during Week 16 last season. Despite this setback, the Vikings remain optimistic that he will return to the field at some point this season.
Hockenson will miss the Vikings’ games against the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers. The earliest he is eligible to return would be their Week 5 game against the New York Jets on October 6.
The injury occurred in the third quarter of their December 24 loss to the Detroit Lions. Hockenson caught a pass up the middle of the field but was tackled directly on his right knee, immediately grabbing at his knee in pain before leaving the field.
He didn’t return, and the Vikings ruled him out soon after. Hockenson finished with 58 yards on four catches in the loss.
The former Iowa standout was enjoying a breakout season, setting career-highs in receiving yards (960) and catches (95), in addition to five touchdowns in 2023. He played a crucial role in the Vikings’ offense, particularly after starter Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles injury.
Hockenson underwent ACL surgery at the end of January, a month after suffering the injury. He waited to undergo the procedure to allow the MCL tear that occurred on the same play to heal.
