The Minnesota Vikings opted to keep tight end T.J. Hockenson out of Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. However, they plan to activate him on Friday, adding him to the 53-man roster in time for their Week 9 clash against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football.
Hockenson has been sidelined since suffering ACL and MCL tears in his right knee during a December 24th game against the Detroit Lions. He spent both training camp and the regular season so far on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The Vikings opened his 21-day practice window on October 4, giving them the option to activate him before the window expires on Friday, or risk losing him for the season.Last week, Hockenson told reporters he feels ready to return to the field.
“The knee is fully healed," Hockenson said. "It's stronger than ever. From testing last year to now, I’ve surpassed every benchmark. I’m bigger, stronger, faster — just ready to go out there and play.” Hockenson has been a crucial part of Minnesota’s offense since being acquired from Detroit at the 2022 trade deadline. In 25 games with the Vikings, he has caught 155 passes, more than any other NFL tight end in that span, and racked up 1,479 receiving yards.
In his absence, the Vikings leaned on backups Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver, both of whom have scored a touchdown this season. Coach Kevin O'Connell restructured the offense with limited focus on tight ends, averaging just four targets per game to the position — the second fewest in the league. So far, Mundt and Oliver have combined for 18 receptions and 125 yards. Hockenson’s return is expected to add a significant boost to the Vikings' offensive options heading into
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