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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) tore his ACL on December 24, 2023, and typically players take longer than 10 months to return to play, so many fantasy managers were surprised to hear rumors that he could return soon. It would be a miraculously quick recovery for the former Lion, who has ascended in a big way.
He became one of the best tight ends in the NFL after joining the Vikings, finishing as the TE2 and TE4 overall in full-PPR scoring in 2022 and 2023, despite missing two full games and part of one last season. He's a premier player at his position and has league-winning upside when healthy.
So when will T.J. Hockenson return to play and be back for the Vikings?
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T.J. Hockenson Injury Update
There's great news -- he was activated off PUP and participated in his first practice on Friday, just before the London game against the New York Jets. He was ruled out in advance of the game, which isn't a surprise, but his practice window was officially opened. The Vikings will have 21 days from the activation day to elevate him to the active roster.
TJ Hockenson’s three-week window to start practicing opened today, and the Vikings wasted no time in getting him on the field for a limited session. He’s not expected to play until after the bye.#vikings #ukvikings #nfluk #NYJvsMIN pic.twitter.com/UxpyH0S3It
— Tom Parry-Jones (@tomparryjones) October 4, 2024
The team is a well-run organization, so it's extremely unlikely they did this in error, meaning fantasy managers can expect him back by Week 8 at the latest. He must be elevated to the active roster by Friday, November 1, in which case he would play in Week 8 when his team faces the Los Angeles Rams.
TJ Hockenson is back 💪
pic.twitter.com/h8J5ejAN2M— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 4, 2024
The more likely scenario is that he plays first in Week 7 when the Detroit Lions head to Minneapolis. Bringing him back for his revenge game makes too much sense to not happen, and while nothing is set in stone, all signs are pointing to a return that week.
T.J. Hockenson Fantasy Football Outlook
Ignore his injury. When he returns, he's a must-start. He's one of the few elite players at his position, and in an age where Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has been supplanted by Isaiah Likely and whoever Charlie Kolar is, there's desperation for good options.
🚨 WE HAVE A MNF TOUCHDOWN 🚨
TJ Hockenson first TD (+850) ✅
(via @Vikings)
pic.twitter.com/P43u41G5MY— br_betting (@br_betting) November 28, 2023
He's a threat at all levels of the field, a great chain-mover, can play as a possession receiver and a deep-ball threat and a great red zone weapon. He has upside for both PPR-scam points and touchdown scoring. Expect QB Sam Darnold to look his way often. He could take their offense to a new level. There's nothing not to like.
He's a great buy right now. The best time to trade for him was a few weeks ago, but the second best time is now. If he plays, he should be started in all leagues. He should have a great run down the stretch once his playing time is ramped up to full.
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