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The Minnesota Vikings bestowed their trust on tight end T.J. Hockenson via a four-year, $45 million contract extension a year after they traded for him from the Detroit Lions.
Unfortunately, he suffered ACL and MCL tears during their 2023 Week 16 game. Coincidentally, Hockenson sustained the injury against his former team.
But before the sudden end to Hockenson's season, he had already established career highs in receptions (95) and receiving yards (960). Therefore, would it be wise to consider adding the two-time Pro Bowler to your fantasy football team?
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T.J. Hockenson Injury Update
As written by NFL.com digital content editor Grant Gordon, Hockenson commented about his recovery period during the "2024 NFL Schedule Release" show:
"They haven't really put a timeline on it. We're just kinda taking it day by day, week by week. There are just so many variables that you can go through in this process. I'm doing really good right now. We're attacking each process. I'm attacking each one, and it's been awesome; the progression has been incredible," Hockenson said.
On the first day of Vikings' offseason workouts, T.J. Hockenson tried to avoid talking about Kerby Joseph but had a lot to say about the type of hit on which he was hurt: a DB going low on a receiver running a seam route. It's a play he wants the league to look into.@kare11 pic.twitter.com/CnixHseg9J
— J.T. Messinger (@JTMessinger) April 15, 2024
After acquiring the injury from a low hit from safety Kerby Joseph, Hockenson had to wait weeks before the surgery. Based on his response, he couldn't even put a timeline for his return. Hence, the Vikings signed Robert Tonyan to share minutes at tight end with Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt.
Should You Draft T.J. Hockenson in 2024 Fantasy Football?
The recovery period for ACL injuries could last up to 12 months. Since he had the injury in Week 16, there's a chance he might not play in 2024, let alone participate in training camp. But if you'd like to gamble on Hockenson, take another tight end as your first option and stash Hockenson as a backup or a flex. He might not offer anything in the first weeks of the 2024 season.
This gamble will pay off if the former Iowa standout recovers quicker than expected. The Vikings being in playoff contention might entice him to return sooner once he is cleared to play. But with how his recovery is proceeding, he'd be more of a stash pick if you draft him. Even if he recovers faster than expected, he still needs time to return to game shape.
#Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson provides an update on his rehab. He underwent surgery in late January after tearing his right ACL and MCL in a late December loss vs. Lions. He is not putting a timeline, as of now, for when he can return to game action. pic.twitter.com/yCUXpbdOEp
— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) April 15, 2024
Conversely, Hockenson is an excellent pick if you're playing in dynasty mode. He might not contribute much this season, but holding onto him can do wonders in succeeding campaigns. Hockenson will be turning 27 in July, giving him much football left. Once healthy, he is among the best tight ends stat-wise.
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