The Minnesota Vikings were unable to replicate the success they had in the 2022 season, when they won the NFC North, in 2023. A big reason for them taking a step backward was the number of injuries they had to endure during the season.
The Vikings were hit hard on the offensive side of the ball, where key contributors consistently were out of the lineup. Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was the first casualty, getting hurt in Week 5 and not returning until Week 14.
In Week 8, starting quarterback Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending Achilles injury. His first replacement, rookie Jaren Hall, suffered a concussion in his first start the following week, thrusting Joshua Dobbs into the starting lineup. Dobbs was only playing because Nick Mullens was on injured reserve with his own injury.
NFL News & Rumors: T.J. Hockenson & Minnesota Vikings Updates
Near the end of the season, with their playoff hopes on life support, tight end T.J. Hockenson went down with a knee injury. Hockenson was hit low by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph in Week 16 and was knocked out for the remainder of the season.
It was revealed that Hockenson suffered a torn ACL, but not much has been said about it since. It was something brought up on “Mackey and Judd” on SKOR North, as no updates had been provided since the injury.
Now, just over a month later, we have an update provided by Craig Peters of Vikings.com. “Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson underwent successful surgery to repair his torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) today, the team announced Monday. The surgery was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California.
“The team will continue to provide updates, as appropriate, during Hockenson’s recovery.”
NFL News & Rumors: T.J. Hockenson & Minnesota Vikings Updates
Because Hockenson had also torn the MCL in his knee, he and the Vikings decided it would be best to delay surgery on his ACL until the MCL healed. The healing process must have concluded, which is why Hockenson went under the knife last week.
Hockenson had a huge season for the Vikings, catching 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns. The receptions led the team, while the yardage and touchdowns were both second.
Given the nature of the injury and when he underwent surgery, Hockenson’s return to the field could coincide with the start of the regular season in September. He could also be a candidate for the PUP List, which would keep him sidelined for at least the first four weeks of the 2024 season.
Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
