Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will make his season debut in the team’s “Sunday Night Football” game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9.
Hockenson missed the first eight weeks of the season as he recovered from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, which he sustained in December 2023. The Vikings opened his practice window to return on Oct. 4.
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The 27-year-old returns to a Minnesota squad that is 5-2, but has lost two straight games. With quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Justin Jefferson leading the way, the team’s offense ranks seventh in points per game (26.9). But the tight end position has only produced 21 receptions for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
Hockenson was acquired by Minnesota via an in-season trade with NFC North rival Detroit in 2022. Last season, he led the team in receptions (95) and targets (127), while finishing second in receiving yards (960) and touchdowns (five). Before his season-ending injury in Week 16, it was a career-best season for the two-time Pro Bowler.
This story will be updated.
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