If the Minnesota Vikings return to the postseason picture, it will have to be without star tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Tuesday that Hockenson had season-ending wounds to both his ACL and MCL. O’Connell added that pass rusher D.J. Wonnum, who was having a sensational campaign, suffered a torn squad.
“I can confirm with D.J. Wonnum that he did sustain a tear to his quad. He will be going on injured reserve and he will have that hopefully repaired sometime this week,” O’Connell said. “T.J. Hockenson did sustain an MCL and ACL injury. He will go on IR, as well. Crushed for both of those guys. Two of our most impactful players. Leaders on our team. Kind of set the standard of what we want as Minnesota Vikings in every aspect of who they are as men and teammates and players on the grass. Two guys that will be difficult to overcome their loss, but we’re gonna have to have guys step up, and hopefully still have those guys involved and around our team, because they are like I said, leaders, and very, very important to our locker room.”
Considering the late-season wound, Hockenson might not be ready for the beginning of the 2024 campaign. He left Sunday’s defeat by the Detroit Lions early in the third quarter after a catch over the middle.
Hockenson is finishing the 2023 campaign with 95 catches for a team-leading 960 yards and five touchdowns. He is currently second place among tight ends in catches and third in yards through 15 games. The Vikings signed Hockenson to a four-year, $66 million extension this offseason.
The loss is difficult for Minnesota, which dropped to a 7-8 on the season, at the No.8 slot in the NFC. While the Vikings attempt to regain their playoff footing sans the star TE, Hockenson being injured could change their approach to 2024.
O’Connell added that rookie receiver Jordan Addision, who also left win an ankle injury Sunday, is considered day-to-day.
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