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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson was in the middle of a career season last year before it all came to a crashing end in Week 16 against his former team. He suffered a late-season ACL tear against the Detroit Lions, forcing him to miss the start of the 2024 campaign.
Many believed Hockenson would be due for a down year even when he returned, as there were many concerns over the signing of quarterback Sam Darnold and the loss of Kirk Cousins. However, the Minnesota offense has looked electric, and Darnold is leading the NFL in passing touchdowns. That said, fantasy managers are clamoring for Hockenson to return.
How long is Hockenson out, and what is his fantasy football outlook when he's back in action? Let's dive in.
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T.J. Hockenson Injury Update for Fantasy Football
According to Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, Hockenson (knee) could return to the practice field when he's first eligible in Week 5. Hockenson began the year on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which requires players to sit out at least four games.
The recent update from O'Connell is promising, but fantasy managers should pay close attention to his injury updates starting on Monday of next week. He could return to practice but not be ready to play in a game, so this is a "wait and see" situation.
The Vikings could get T.J. Hockenson back on the practice field as soon as next week. Asked if that will happen, O'Connell said: "He's doing great. I'll continue to defer to the medical staff on that. Hoping to get T.J. up and rolling as soon as possible."
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 25, 2024
T.J. Hockenson Fantasy Football Outlook
Given the current state of the tight end position, Hockenson could become a must-start player in short order. Key studs like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews have been deafeningly quiet to begin the new campaign, and it doesn't take much to become a top-12 weekly tight end.
Last season, Hockenson was the PPR TE1 in fantasy points per game (14.6). Through three weeks this year, no tight ends are at that mark, and only seven tight ends are averaging at least 10.0 PPR points per game.
TJ Hockenson has been on another level so far this year:
⭐ 71 receptions
⭐ 681 receiving yards
⭐ 4 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/AxNDlwYqqe— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2023
While he did a lot of damage last season in the absence of Justin Jefferson and could be limited to start the year, there is a clear path to a TE1 finish in 2024, even if he misses up to six contests.
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