Minnesota Vikings Tight End T.J. Hockenson Suffers Season-Ending Injury
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a devastating blow during the team’s 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. A series of tests have revealed that Hockenson tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in his right knee, as announced by coach Kevin O’Connell on Tuesday.
As a result of the injury, Hockenson will be placed on injured reserve and will undergo surgery in the near future. The recovery from double ligament tears can take longer, but O’Connell expressed optimism about Hockenson’s return, stating, “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.”
The injury occurred during the Vikings’ second offensive play of the third quarter when Hockenson leaped to catch a 24-yard pass and absorbed a hit to the knee from Lions safety Kerby Joseph. Although he initially jogged to the sideline, he was soon ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Hockenson had been enjoying a career year in his first full season with the Vikings, ranking second in the NFL in catches by tight ends (95) and third in receiving yards (960). He has been a consistent offensive threat, especially in a season where quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson have both been sidelined by significant injuries.
Since joining the Vikings from the Lions at the 2022 trade deadline, Hockenson leads all NFL tight ends with 155 receptions and signed a lucrative four-year contract extension in August.
In addition to Hockenson’s injury, the Vikings also confirmed that linebacker D.J. Wonnum suffered a torn left quadriceps during Sunday’s game, ending his season. And two other players, wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder), are currently listed as day-to-day.
As Hockenson and Wonnum face extended recoveries, the Vikings will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by these significant losses as they continue their season.