T.J. Hockenson injury update: Minnesota Vikings TE injured vs Detroit Lions

#DetroitLions #Injury #MinnesotaVikings

Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson suffered a severe knee injury against the Detroit Lions, possibly affecting his 2024 season
He was on track for a record-breaking season and had recently become the highest-paid TE in NFL history
The injury is a major concern for the Vikings' offensive strategy and playoff chances, with other team injuries compounding the issue

Written By:Rohit Yadav

Updated: December 25 2023 11:12:50 AM ET

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson sustained a knee injury in a game against the Detroit Lions. The injury occurred when Hockenson was hit low by Lions safety Kerby Joseph during a low tackle after a 24-yard catch and run. This incident led to Hockenson being quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Sources indicated that Hockenson suffered a torn ACL during the incident. There was also concern about potential damage to his PCL, which could potentially extend his recovery time into the 2024 season if the worst-case scenario was confirmed. This development was particularly devastating as Hockenson was on the verge of becoming the Vikings’ first tight end in over three decades to reach 1,000+ yards in a season.

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Before the injury, Hockenson was a pivotal player for the Vikings, particularly during the absence of wide receiver Justin Jefferson. He was on track to break significant team records and had signed a substantial four-year, $66 million extension before the season, making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history at that time.

The injury to Hockenson was a major blow to the Vikings, who were in the midst of a competitive season with a 7-7 record and aiming for a playoff spot. In Hockenson’s absence, the team was expected to turn to TE2 Josh Oliver. This shift came at a critical juncture, with the Vikings contending for a playoff position and facing multiple injuries across the team, including to wide receiver Jordan Addison and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum.

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Hockenson was acquired by the Vikings in a trade with the Lions, the team he faced when he sustained the injury. The Vikings had received Hockenson along with a 2023 fourth-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick, giving up a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-rounder in exchange. This injury against his former team added an unfortunate twist to the narrative of his season.