The Minnesota Vikings announced that tight end T.J. Hockenson would miss the remainder of the season after sustaining injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee.
According to the announcement, Hockenson is scheduled to have surgery in the near future. Despite the possible long-term recovery, Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell expressed optimism over Hockenson’s condition.
"Knowing T.J., the type of player he is, I'm absolutely looking forward to when we can get him back rolling and ready to have a great 2024 season,"
Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings head coach.
The injuries occurred at the team’s 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, specifically during the Vikings' second offensive play of the third quarter. Hockenson leaped to grab a 24-yard pass, taking a hit to the knee from Lions safety Kerby Joseph. He jogged to the sideline but was soon ruled out for the remainder of the game.
“It was a very, very unfortunate play. We've done a nice job of helping take out some of those head and neck area hits to the defenseless players,” said O’Connell. “ some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys. It was awful to see that happen.”
The ligament injury not only diminishes the Vikings' chances of making a playoff run this season but also raises concerns about Hockenson's availability for the start of the 2024 campaign. Given the potential year-long recovery, the team faces uncertainties about their offensive lineup with Week 1 of the next season less than nine months away.
Analysts noted that the Vikings only had a handful of healthy tight ends at the moment — veterans Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt, and second-year player Nick Muse, who is on the 53-man roster but has not played in a game.
Offensive asset for Vikings
This season was supposed to be Hockenson’s first full season with the Vikings. He was on track to become just the ninth tight end in NFL history with 100+ catches in a season. He currently ranks second in catches by tight ends (95) and third in receiving yards (960) in the entire league.
Since joining the Vikings from the Lions in a 2022 trade, Hockenson leads all NFL tight ends with 155 receptions. His four-year contract extension in August, worth at least $66 million and up to $68.5 million, reflected the team's confidence in his abilities.
Hockenson's performance made him a consistent offensive threat for the Vikings, especially in a season marked by injuries to key players like quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson.
Other injuries
In addition to Hockenson, O’Connell confirmed that linebacker D.J. Wonnum suffered a torn left quadriceps during the same game. Wonnum, who hit a career-high with eight sacks this season, will miss the rest of the season and is set to become a free agent this winter.
O'Connell said Wonnum and Hockenson are impactful on the team as leaders on and off the field. According to the coach, both players set the standard for their teammates.
Notably, receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder) also left the Sunday game with injuries and their cases are currently listed as day-to-day.
The Vikings, currently second in the NFC North with a 7-8 record, are set to face the Green Bay Packers and Lions in their final two games of the season. The outcomes of these matchups will significantly impact the team's playoff hopes, as losing either game would mean the end of the season for the team.