Already without rookie quarterback Jake McCarthy for the season, the Minnesota Vikings will also be without another key offensive weapon for at least the first four weeks of the upcoming NFL campaign.
Facing the prospect of a rapidly-improving NFC North division, the Vikings announced Tuesday that the team will not feature the services of two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson until October at the earliest. Minnesota placed Hockenson on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday, as the six-year veteran continues to recover from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in his right knee last season.
Landing on the PUP list means that Hockenson will not be able to take the field for the Minnesota Vikings until a Week 5 game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 6, in London, England.
Hockenson a Key Piece of Minnesota Vikings Offense
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Hockenson came to the Minnesota Vikings in a November, 2022, trade with their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions. He quickly blossomed in the Vikings offense under then-rookie head coach Kevin O’Connell. Hockenson was targeted 86 times, catching 60 passes for 519 yards and three touchdowns after joining Minnesota in Week 8.
Last season, Hockenson was en route to a third Pro Bowl appearance. He was targeted a team-high 127 times, logging 95 receptions for 960 yards and five scores before suffering the catastrophic knee injury in a Week 15 loss to the Lions on Christmas Eve.
In 25 games with the Minnesota Vikings, Hockenson’s 155 total receptions are more than any other tight end in the NFL. His 1,479 total yards over that stretch are second only to Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Minnesota Vikings to Make Do in Hockenson’s Absence
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The Minnesota Vikings had held out hope through the preseason that the team would be able to hold out a roster spot for Hockenson. However, a difficult, injury-riddled preseason forced the team to place him on reserve to open a place on the active roster.
In Hockenson’s absence, the Vikings are likely to go with backup tight end Johnny Mundt as the team’s primary player in pass catching situations. Another backup, Josh Oliver, is expected to serve mostly in run-blocking situations.
Mundt played under O’Connell during the latter’s time as the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. The pair both joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. Mundt has played in all 17 games for Minnesota in each of the past two seasons, amassing 312 receiving yards and two scores on 36 receptions. Oliver, in his second season with the Vikings, caught 22 balls for 213 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.
The Vikings open the season at the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 8, and host the San Francisco 49ers in Minnesota’s first home game Sunday, Sept. 15.
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