Tj Hockenson Injury Update, When will T.J. Hockenson Return?
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Updated Aug 02, 2024
Tj Hockenson Injury Update
T.J. Hockenson is currently recovering from a torn ACL and is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the Minnesota Vikings. Typical ACL recoveries take 9 to 12 months, so Hockenson might miss at least the season's first four games. He suffered the injury in December and is still in the rehabilitation phase.
The Vikings are facing additional challenges with injuries to other players, including potential setbacks for Robert Tonyan, who was expected to fill Hockenson’s role. The team is adjusting their plans and roster to manage these ongoing issues (Source: Heavy)
When will T.J. Hockenson Return?
T.J. Hockenson is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list while recovering from a torn ACL. Typically, ACL injuries require about nine to 12 months of recovery. Given that Hockenson is already seven months into his recovery, there's a possibility he could return by the end of September or early October.
However, he may be placed on injured reserve, which would mean missing at least the first four games of the season. The exact timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Who is T.J. Hockenson?
T.J. Hockenson is an American football tight end currently playing for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 3, 1997, in Des Moines, Iowa, he attended Chariton High School before playing college football at the University of Iowa.
There, he earned several accolades, including the John Mackey Award as the top tight end in college football in 2018. Hockenson was selected by the Detroit Lions as the 8th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice (2020, 2022) and is known for his strong performance on the field.
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Full Name | Thomas James Hockenson |
Born | July 3, 1997 |
Birthplace | Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
Weight | 248 lb (112 kg) |
Position | Tight end |
High School | Chariton High School, Chariton, Iowa |
College | Iowa (2016–2018) |
NFL Draft | 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8 |
T.J. Hockenson Career
T.J. Hockenson began his college football career at Iowa by redshirting his freshman year in 2016. In 2017, he started as one of Iowa’s tight ends alongside Noah Fant. Hockenson made his first career receptions against Iowa State, catching two passes for 41 yards. His best game that season was against No. 3 Ohio State, where he led the team with five catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns. By the end of the season, he had 24 catches for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2018, Hockenson was a preseason candidate for the John Mackey Award, joining his teammate Fant. He set a career high with 125 receiving yards in a game against Wisconsin and had another impressive game against Indiana with four catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Hockenson ended the season with 46 catches for 717 yards and six touchdowns, leading the team in receptions and yards. He was named first-team All-Big Ten and won the Kwalick–Clark Award and the John Mackey Award, becoming the second Hawkeye to win the honor and the first sophomore.
In the NFL, Hockenson was drafted by the Detroit Lions as the eighth overall pick in 2019. He signed a four-year, $19.8 million contract and set an NFL record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in a debut with 131 yards and a touchdown. He finished his rookie season with 32 catches for 367 yards and two touchdowns. Hockenson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in 2020 but made a strong comeback, earning a Pro Bowl selection and finishing with 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns. He was put on injured reserve in December 2021 due to thumb surgery, ending the season with 61 catches for 583 yards and four touchdowns.
In November 2022, Hockenson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, and he signed a four-year, $63.5 million contract extension in August 2023. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve in December due to a torn ACL and MCL. Over his career, Hockenson has made a significant impact, both in college and in the NFL