The Vikings are leaving TE T.J. Hockenson on the physically unable to perform list to open the season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That's no surprise as Hockenson works back from his Dec. 24 ACL tear. The designation means Hockenson will miss at least the first four regular-season games.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson tore his right ACL and MCL in Sunday's loss vs. the Lions. That ends Hockenson's phenomenal season. The veteran pass-catcher posted a position-leading 127 targets and 219 PPR points (a career-best) through Week 16. We'll see about his chances of making it back for the start of 2024. But his long-term dynasty value should still largely remain intact. Be sure to keep up with us throughout the offseason as more information becomes available. Hockenson's injury likely means more playing time for TEs Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt. They saw near-identical playing time against the Lions, with Mundt getting the edge in snaps (23-21) and targets (3-2). The presence of both makes neither especially attractive for fantasy purposes. WR K.J. Osborn probably gains the most fantasy relevance.
Vikings TE Irv Smith suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, insider Chris Tomasson reports. Smith is getting an MRI on Monday to get a better look at the damage, but he figures to miss multiple games. He's droppable in standard-sized fantasy leagues. Smith's absence leaves lead TE duties to Johnny Mundt, who owns just 22 career catches, with 12 of them coming this season. We should see more volume funneled to WRs Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn with Smith out.
Vikings TE Irv Smith jumped from 31% playing time in the opener to 56% in Monday night's loss at Philadelphia. He finished 2nd on the team with 8 targets -- trailing only Justin Jefferson (12) -- catching 5 balls for 36 yards and the team's lone TD. TE Johnny Mundt, meanwhile, dipped from 65% Week 1 playing time to 46% against the Eagles. We certainly wouldn't bet on 8 targets a week or even the 17.4% target share becoming Smith's norm. But he'd be in weekly lineup consideration if he can live north of 50% playing time.
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