The Vikings have officially activated T.J. Hockenson from the Physically Unable to Perform list, setting up the Pro Bowl tight end to make his 2024 debut against the Colts on Sunday night.
Hockenson tore his ACL in December 2023, ending his year and sidelining him into the 2024 season. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft averaged a career-high 6.3 receptions and 64.0 yards per game in his first full season in Minnesota before his injury. He was traded to the Vikings by the Lions at the 2022 deadline and earned a four-year, $66M extension after quickly assimilating to head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s offense.
Hockenson’s return will be a massive boost to a Vikings squad that has lost their last two games after starting the season 5-0. Star left tackle Christian Darrisaw injured both his ACL and MCL in Week 8, requiring season-ending surgery that will place more pressure on quarterback Sam Darnold.
Hockenson won’t make up for Darrisaw’s absence as a blocker, but he will join Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones to round out one of the best pass-catching corps in the NFL. 2022 seventh-rounder Jalen Nailor has been a pleasant surprise in Minnesota this year, recording 32.7 yards per game and three touchdowns as a tertiary target for Darnold with little receiving contributions from his tight ends.
Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt have combined for just 165 yards on 21 receptions this year. Hockenson should easily surpass their 23.6 yards per game average and add a more dynamic threat to the Vikings offense.
