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Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson<\/a> believes rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy reminds him of a mix of two familiar passers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe is a lot like Matthew Stafford, a little like Kirk Cousins,\u201d Hockenson told the Minnesota Star Tribune<\/em>, drawing comparisons to his former Detroit Lions teammate and the Vikings\u2019 longtime starter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hockenson, who missed the first seven games of the 2024 season recovering from a knee injury, admitted it took time to feel like himself again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 10 games, Hockenson finished with 41 catches for 455 yards and one touchdown. Now healthy, he\u2019s expected to play a central role in Week 1, with the Vikings\u2019 receiver group already thin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Justin Jefferson is nursing a hamstring strain, Jordan Addison begins the year suspended, Rondale Moore is out for the season, and Jalen Nailor<\/a> is sidelined with a hand injury. The team also re-signed veteran Adam Thielen on the eve of the opener.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"