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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is really, truly, finally about to come back to play, for real this time. It's been frustrating for fantasy managers in need of help at the TE position to see multiple optimistic reports about Hock's potential return being early, only to see him held out of games yet again.
However, there are signs that his return truly is soon. He's one of the best players at his position when healthy, so it will be an excellent sight to see him back on the field.
So when will Hockenson return to play, and what's his fantasy outlook for the rest of the season?
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T.J. Hockenson Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Week 9 is actually the last chance for the Vikings to elevate him to the active roster. It's likely that their original intention was to utilize all the time they could in his practice window to help him get his body right and get ready for a fully healthy return to play. This isn't a surprising development.
#Vikings TE TJ Hockenson said that according to GPS data, he has been running faster than he ever has in his career while ramping up to recovery from his torn ACL. Scary hours ahead for TE 1.
(@BenGoessling) pic.twitter.com/qJ45rYzPUX
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 17, 2024
Typically, when players have their practice windows opened after a season-ending injury from the previous year, fantasy managers should prepare for the team to use all the time they are allowed by NFL rules to get their player primed for NFL action again.
T.J. Hockenson Fantasy Football Outlook
He's a must-start when he returns. Though he may be load-limited in his first few games back, he still profiles as having TE1 upside due to his historical production and his overall talent. It doesn't hurt that he'll join one of the best offenses in the league and likely be the No. 2 priority for targets behind elite WR Justin Jefferson.
T.J. Hockenson catches a touchdown pass from @KirkCousins8!
📺: #MINvsGB on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/F3jmAeeoLR— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023
He's an elite pass-catcher at all levels of the field, can handle high target volume, is great in the red zone and as an end-zone target, and is a freakish athlete for his size. Many managers won't have a clear, better option to plug into their lineups, and Minnesota has taken their time to work him back, so it's fine to start him in his first game back.
After he's played two games this season, he becomes a must-start in all leagues. He'll likely not be limited much, if at all, after that point.
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