LONDON — The Minnesota Vikings opened T.J. Hockenson’s practice window Friday. The tight end, who tore his ACL and MCL in December, will practice in London with the team ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the New York Jets.
Hockenson is not likely to play this weekend. From the outset, the Vikings’ staff has viewed Hockenson’s rehab as a long-term process, structured so that he would remain healthy for the back half of the 2024 season.
“Friday gives us 21 days,” O’Connell said Wednesday, “and 21 days gives us the bye week and two football games with us playing on Thursday the second week after the bye. So, that gives us some flexibility.”
Hockenson’s return looms at a fascinating time. The Vikings are 4-0 and without him, they have already generated one of the most explosive and efficient passing offenses in the NFL. Minnesota is averaging 8.9 yards per play through the air, which is second-most in the NFL. Hockenson is no minor addition, either. Last year, he was the most targeted Minnesota pass-catcher.
The Vikings have been planning for a dynamic offense featuring Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Hockenson since last spring when they drafted Addison. The grouping only played eight games together in 2023. Jefferson tore his hamstring early last season, then Hockenson was tackled low by Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph in Week 16.
Now, the Vikings are gearing up for what the full group looks like together, and that group now includes a developed Jalen Nailor and an improved running game with Aaron Jones.
Fantasy outlook for Hockenson
The only reason Hockenson shouldn’t be 100 percent rostered is if your league doesn’t have IR spots. With his expected return after the Vikings’ Week 6 bye, now is the time to run to waivers, make sure Hockenson isn’t sitting out there and stash him on your bench.
Given the tight end landscape, he’s an immediate top-5 option when back. – Jake Ciely, senior fantasy writer
(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)
