Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson will start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The veteran is returning from an MCL and ACL tear suffered in Week 16 (December 24).
Here’s HC Kevin O’Connell:
“He’s well ahead of schedule from a standpoint of some of the benchmarks throughout his rehab…”
O’Connell also stated the obvious: That Hockenson won’t be rushed back before he’s ready for game action.
“He’s such a significant part of our organization moving forward,” O’Connell concluded at Monday’s press conference.
From Week 1 to Week 15 of 2023, Hockenson led all TEs in PPR points. He tallied a position-high 91 catches, adding 902 yards and 5 scores.
That type of ceiling is unrealistic for 2024. Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta, leaving Sam Darnold as the likely Week 1 starter.
J.J. McCarthy figures to take over at some point this season.
Either way, it’s a downgrade for an offense that remains stocked at WR1 and WR2.
Of course, we’ll keep an eye on Hockenson’s potential return date. Note: Minnesota has a Week 6 bye. Returning in Week 7 would mean he’s returned about 10 months post-injury -- a realistic timeframe.
The Vikings signed Robert Tonyan to a one-year deal this offseason. He fell off the fantasy map in 2023, but it's possible he's asked to pick up some of the slack while Hockenson recovers.
Still, the former Bear and Packer isn't someone we're rostering outside of (super) deep TE-premium formats.
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