Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) returns to practice

Field Level Media|published: Fri 4th October, 13:12 2024

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after making a catch against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings on Friday opened the 21-day practice window for Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson, who has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list since the start of training camp.

The Vikings have 21 days to activate Hockenson to the 53-man roster and could wait until the Week 8 game at the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 24. He is expected to participate in Friday's practice in London, where Minnesota (4-0) plays the New York Jets (2-2) on Sunday.

Hockenson tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee on Dec. 24 in a 30-24 loss to his former team, the Detroit Lions. The 27-year-old Hockenson had surgery on Jan. 29. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection (2020, 2022).

Entering his sixth NFL season, Hockenson was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Lions, who traded him to Minnesota in November 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 on 127 targets for 960 yards and five TDs.

--Field Level Media