Report: Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson to start season on PUP

Field Level Media|published: 08/27/2024, 10:37am EDT

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) runs after the catch against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will start the season on the physically unable to perform list, leaving him ineligible to play until Week 5, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Hockenson tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee on Dec. 24 in a 30-24 loss to the Lions. The injury occurred when Hockenson hauled in a touchdown pass and took a hit from Detroit safety Kerby Joseph.

NFL rules for players on the PUP list mean Hockenson could return for the Oct. 6 game in London, where the Vikings play the New York Jets before a bye week. If Minnesota takes a more cautious approach, Hockenson could return Week 7 for a home game against the Lions.

The 27-year-old Hockenson had surgery on Jan. 29. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

Entering his sixth NFL season, Hockenson was the No. 8 overall pick by the Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft, traded to Minnesota in 2022. In 72 career games (60 starts), Hockenson has 3,547 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.

Before the injury last season, Hockenson had 95 catches in 127 targets for 960 yards and five TDs.

--Field Level Media