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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson tore his ACL late in the season last year and has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list ever since. Hockenson is one of the best tight ends in the NFL when healthy, so fantasy managers who are holding him are eager for him to return.
Hockenson had finishes of 25.60, 30.40, 19.60, and 16.00 PPR fantasy points last season, making him one of the most valuable players to own in fantasy football. Tight ends who can score 15+ PPR points multiple times per season are massively helpful at winning fantasy matchups at a position that doesn't tend to score much.
So, when will Hockenson return from his injury? Will he play again this season? Let's dive in.
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T.J. Hockenson Injury Update for Fantasy Football
There's great news on the horizon for Hockenson fantasy managers. The team is nearing opening the window for him to return to practice. This is remarkable, considering Hock picked up the injury on Christmas Eve in 2023. It's been just over nine months since blowing out his knee.
INJURY UPDATE: TJ Hockenson (knee) could begin practicing as early as next week pic.twitter.com/A6O4MyrjQl
— The Fantasy Source (@FantasySource_) September 25, 2024
The fact that he's close to returning in October means he'll probably be back earlier than expected. It was thought that he wouldn't be able to return until late November, as an 11-month time window for ACL tears is somewhat standard for a return to play for NFL players, but it looks like Hock will beat that handily.
Fantasy managers will want to stay updated on the situation, of course. There's no indication of the exact date he will return to practice, and after that, the Vikings will have a 21-day window to promote him to the active roster so he can play again in 2024.
T.J. Hockenson Fantasy Football Outlook
The tight-end position landscape is stark and barren this season. Hockenson is a must-start when he comes back. The Vikings have one of the best offenses in the NFL and quarterback Sam Darnold is playing the best football of his life. Darnold has thrown 11 touchdowns through four games, and Hockenson is a scary red-zone threat.
Hockenson should enjoy great numbers with Darnold as long as both stay healthy and Hockenson gets a good workload. It may take time to ramp him up, but the lack of options at the tight-end position means he's a must-start even in his first game back.
It would be understandable if fantasy managers were hesitant to start Hockenson, but when the other options have a high chance of putting up just 2-3 fantasy points in any game, Hock is just the better bet.
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