Key Takeaways:
– Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson is projected to miss the first six games of the upcoming NFL season.
– The team added Robert Tonyan Jr. to compensate for Hockenson’s expected absence.
– Hockenson’s injury last season resulted in ACL and MCL tears after a hit by the Lions’ Kirby Joseph.
– Hockenson will likely return for the match against his former team, The Detroit Lions, in Week 7.
The Minnesota Vikings could be starting the upcoming season with one of their key players on the bench. Predictions suggest that two-time Pro Bowl tight end, T.J. Hockenson, will kick-off the year on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Hockenson’s Injury and Expected Absence
Renowned sports reporter, Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, made this prediction on May 19. According to Goessling, Hockenson is likely to be off the field until the Minnesota Vikings’ bye, marking a return in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, his old team. Another football analyst, Kristopher Knox of the Bleacher Report, made similar predictions, as he expects Hockenson to start 12 games this year.
This significant gap means Hockenson could miss the initial part of the season, comprising of challenging fixtures against teams like the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers. These teams won a playoff game between Weeks 2-4.
Hockenson’s expected absence from the early season slate follows a knee injury sustained last season, during a game against the Detroit Lions. Kirby Joseph, a Lions’ safety player, hit the tight end low, causing ACL and MCL tears. This setback forced an abrupt end to Hockenson’s campaign.
Vikings Supplement for Hockenson’s Absence
Given the impact of Hockenson’s absence, the Vikings moved quickly to bolster their ranks by adding Robert Tonyan Jr. to their roster. Tonyan, formerly of the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, is expected to fill the void in the team’s lineup
of pass-catching tight ends.
Tonyan is known for being more established as a pass-catcher compared to the three tight ends currently on contract at Minnesota – Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse. These players collectively recorded 39 receptions for 385 receiving yards and 3 TDs in the previous season, according to data from ESPN.
Hockenson’s Contribution and Expected Performance Upon Return
In contrast, Hockenson swung 95 catches, gathered 960 yards, and scored five touchdowns out of 15 games last season. However, his statistical performance is predicted to suffer a significant drop this year if he is to miss the opening weeks of the season.
As Knox opined, the Vikings may not be as pass-heavy as they were last year with the inclusion of running back Aaron Jones. This new move does not suggest that Hockenson won’t have a significant role upon his return. However, it reduces the pressure for him to maintain the high numbers associated with Pro Bowl recognition.
The Vikings are seemingly well-prepared to accommodate Hockenson’s absence. The team expects running back Aaron Jones and wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to pace the squad during Hockenson’s anticipated hiatus. However, the Vikings are anticipated to look for another playmaker this summer who can contend for the job of a starting slot receiver alongside Jefferson and Addison.
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