Vikings plan to bring Hockenson back to practice this week in latest step toward return
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson walks on the field before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Bruce Kluckhohn
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings plan to open tight end T.J. Hockenson's practice window later this week, putting the two-time Pro Bowl pick another step closer to returning from the torn ACL and MCL in his right knee suffered near the end of last season.
Coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that Hockenson, who started the season on the physically unable to perform list, would start practicing with the team Friday in London. Hockenson will then have 21 days to continue ramping up before the Vikings (4-0) must add him to the active roster.
After the Vikings play Sunday in London against the New York Jets, they have their bye week before an Oct. 20 home game against the Detroit Lions. Because their game after that at the Los Angeles Rams is on a Thursday night, Oct. 24, the Vikings could thus wait three more games on Hockenson if he weren't deemed ready. The latest date they could activate him would be Oct. 25, or else he'd have to go on season-ending injured reserve. Using the full window would bring Hockenson back in advance of a Nov. 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Johnny Mundt has largely filled in Hockenson, with Josh Oliver having his role increased.
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