Tag: T.J. Hockenson

Vikings offense accomplishes feat not seen in nearly 25 years

With the Vikings offensive outburst on Sunday, they notched a 300+ passer, 100+ rusher, and two 100+ receivers for the first time since 2000

The game started off ugly for the Minnesota Vikings, with an early turnover deep in Chicago territory, and with two key players going down with injury. The game ended ugly, with the Vikings’ defense allowing 17 fourth-quarter points to the Bears, pushing the game to overtime before ultimately coming out on top for their fourth-straight win.

But somewhere in the middle, there was a highly competent offense – something that Vikings fans haven’t seen much of these days. Even during the recent four-game win streak, consistent high-level play from the offense has been hard to come by. Yet on Sunday against the Bears, the Vikings were able to pull off a feat they haven’t accomplished since November of 2000.

With the Vikings’ offensive output on Sunday, they notched a 300-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher, and not one but two 100-yard receivers in a single game for the first time in nearly a quarter-century. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw all over the Vikings’ secondary to the tune of a 116.1 quarterback rating, 330 yards passing, and two touchdowns.

His two favorite targets on Sunday, wide receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, did most of the heavy lifting for the offense. Both players were targeted nine times on the day, with Addison coming down with eight of his nine targets for 162 yards – a whopping 20.3 yard-per-catch average – and a touchdown. Hockenson was able to capitalize seven times on his targets for 114 yards, himself.

Not to be outdone by his pass-catching counterparts, Aaron Jones got in on the offensive onslaught, too. Jones carried the ball 22 times on the day for just over 100 yards (106, in total), including a 41-yard burst that has rarely been seen by the Vikings’ rushing attack over the past two seasons. And just for good measure, Jones also added three receptions of his own for 23 yards.

Vikings fans can’t realistically expect this sort of offensive outburst from the Vikings consistently going forward. But Sunday’s game was a good example of just how potent the Vikings’ offense can be when it’s firing on all cylinders.

Two injured Vikings log full practice on Wednesday report

Expect to see the big tight end against the Colts on Sunday.

The Vikings released their injury report on Wednesday and while linebacker Blake Cashman did not practice — he was the only one not to practice — Minnesota saw both tight end T.J. Hockenson and guard Dalton Risner log full practices.

On Wednesday, Kevin O’Connell said Hockenson will be a full go on Sunday night and won’t have a snap count.

“I think T.J.’s ready to play,” O’Connell said. “He’s as good as he’s really looked since we’ve gotten him here, and that’s saying something considering the impact he made right away in ’22 and then the season he was having last year at the time when he got hurt. I know he’s excited. Everybody’s excited to have him back out there. Huge part of our system and offense and organization.”

O’Connell also commented on Risner. He is also ready to roll, but will he play against the Colts? O’Connell didn’t confirm, but he does anticipate seeing Risner suited up sooner rather than later.

“Dalton’s healthy, he’s ready to roll,” O’Connell said. “Dalton’s very much a part of the conversation. I anticipate trying to get him up to speed and ready to roll. I think we’re gonna see Dalton in a uniform sooner rather than later.”

Vikings’ trade for Cam Robinson could be exactly what all sides need

In trading for now former Jacksonville Jaguars LT Cam Robinson, each side of the trade could be getting exactly what they need going forward

The Minnesota Vikings surprised many by pulling off a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to address their sudden need for a left tackle. The deal has the Vikings trading away a 2026 fifth-round pick that can escalate to a fourth, depending on playing time.

In exchange, the Vikings get somewhat of a reclamation project in left tackle Cam Robinson, along with a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick – one that can go away depending on playing time.

The trade is a rare example of the kind of low-risk, high-reward deal that, if the season continues to go well for the Vikings, could wind up being great for every party involved. For the Jaguars’ part, they get a disgruntled player off their hands and get a day-three pick in 2026 in exchange – but will likely have to pay some of Robinson’s $10 million remaining salary to do so.

As for the Vikings, they get some immediate help at a sudden position of need. With starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw tearing his ACL and MCL in the Thursday night loss to the Rams, the Vikings suddenly had a huge hole to fill at a vital position.

Robinson hasn’t been great during his eight-year career with the Jaguars, but he has been serviceable – when he’s been in the lineup. That caveat has been the biggest rub on Robinson the past few years. Robinson hasn’t played a full season – whether it be due to injury, suspension, or benching – since 2020 and only once in his career.

Robinson’s benching last week with the Jaguars continued that trend into this season. That benching was—most likely—the final straw in the relationship between the teams and the impetus for this trade from the Jaguars’ end.

For Robinson, he gets a chance to rehab his image in the league’s eye for his next stop. In all likelihood, Robinson is little more than a rental for the Vikings for the remainder of the season, not a long-term option for the team.

Robinson is in the last year of the deal he signed with the Jaguars, and while Darrisaw won’t return this season, there’s little reason to believe he won’t be back to at or near his usual form for next season.

What Robinson gets is a chance to audition for 30 other teams – as he’s unlikely to return to the Jaguars in free agency – on a team that has exceeded expectations this season despite the two-game losing streak.

Robinson gets to be a lynchpin on an offensive line that protects one of the league’s leading passers in Sam Darnold, a good running back in Aaron Jones, and has weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and soon the return of tight end T.J. Hockenson.

If Robinson can hold up on the offensive line, and the Vikings can make the playoffs with Robinson as their left tackle, he could see a lucrative free agency in his future. There are a number of concerns hovering around Robinson, but a good close to the season on a good team could erase many of them.

T.J. Hockenson injury update: Latest news on Vikings TE

The Minnesota Vikings announced Friday that tight end T.J. Hockenson had been activated and will make his season debut in Week 9 vs. Colts.

It has been a tough week for the Minnesota Vikings and their fans. This time last week, Minnesota was one of just two undefeated teams in the NFL, along with the defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City. They were sitting atop the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC North, and were one of the biggest surprises of the season to this point.

In just five days, all of that has changed dramatically. The Vikings have lost two games in five days, the strength of the team — the Vikings’ defense — has looked average at best in the two losses, and news came out Friday that starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL and MCL requiring surgery.

It’s been a tough few days for the Vikings, but they got a bit of good news on Friday, as head coach Kevin O’Connell announced that the team would be activating tight end T.J. Hockenson to the active roster following his rehab from a knee injury of his own.

Hockenson was injured late last season when Lions safety Kerby Joseph hit him, tearing ligaments in his knee. It’s been a long rehab for Hockenson, but he’s finally ready to join the team. The Vikings hope his return will inject some life into an offense that has struggled in the past two games.

Minnesota got off to a hot start on Thursday night against the Rams, scoring 14 points in the first quarter. Then the offense cooled off dramatically, scoring just six points in the final three quarters, losing to the Rams 30-20. Hockenson’s return gives the Vikings offense another dynamic playmaker, and should give Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold a safety valve over the middle that he has lacked so far this season.

It remains to be seen whether it will be enough to stop the Vikings’ recent skid, but at the very least, it is a bit of good news in a sea of bad news lately.

Vikings release final injury report ahead of Rams’ game

Only one Viking was ruled OUT against the Rams with several other players being in limbo for the Week 8 matchup.

The Minnesota Vikings will be playing on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota appears to be mostly healthy ahead of the showdown.

Minnesota released its final injury report on Thursday, and the only Viking ruled out for the contest was linebacker Blake Cashman, which was expected. Tight end T.J. Hockenson, guard Dalton Risner and cornerback Akayleb Evans are all considered questionable for the game.

There was hope Hockenson would play on Thursday, and while it still could happen, the expectation is that Hockenson will play the following week against the Colts. Since his practice window opened, Hockenson has yet to practice in full with the Vikings, which would put his playing status in doubt against the Rams.

On the other hand, the Rams will likely have star receiver Cooper Kupp back in the lineup. Kupp came off the injury report, which should mean he will be a go against the Vikings’ secondary.

Vikings could get one of their best playmakers back vs. Rams on Thursday

Cooper Kupp might not be the only star returning for Thursday’s Rams-Vikings game. T.J. Hockenson could also be back.

Thursday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings could be a night of returns for both teams. Cooper Kupp is slated to play for the first time since injuring his ankle in Week 2 and on the Vikings’ side, one of their top playmakers could also be back.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday that it’s “very much a possibility” that tight end T.J. Hockenson will make his season debut against the Rams this week. Hockenson has been sidelined since tearing his ACL and MCL late in the 2023 season and he’s already been designated to return, so the Vikings need to activate him sooner than later.

“It’s early. We’ll make that determination kind of as these next couple of days [go by],” O’Connell said. “As we put together game plans, we want to have a good feel for that. But, very much a possibility.”

Adding Hockenson to an offense that already features Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor makes it even more dangerous, which is bad news for the Rams. Los Angeles’ secondary has improved in the last two games but that’s a difficult group to handle.

Last season, Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games, nearly putting up his first 1,000-yard campaign in the NFL. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler, but somehow, he wasn’t selected last season.

Kevin O’Connell provides injury updates on T.J. Hockenson and others

Here is the latest status on T.J. Hockenson and others ahead of Thursday Night Football.

It will be a short week for the Vikings. After taking their first loss of the season against the Detroit Lions, they will play on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams.

Both star tight end T.J. Hockenson and veteran guard Dalton Risner have been practicing with the team since Minnesota opened up their practice windows. Kevin O’Connell wasn’t ready to commit to either of them playing against the Rams, but it sounds like it could be possible.

“Yeah, it’s early. We’ll make that determination these next couple days,” O’Connell said Monday. “Very much a possibility.”

Hockenson would be a big boost to Minnesota’s passing game to go along with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Risner, however, could fill a void at right guard. Ed Ingram has played poorly most of the season and Risner could slot in there.

In other news, Minnesota was without starting linebacker Blake Cashman against the Lions. Like the other two, O’Connell didn’t say if Cashman would be ready to go for Thursday, but he should be a go for the Colts in two weeks for sure.

“He’s progressing,” O’Connell said. “Coming along from that toe in a way where I don’t know if he’ll be available or not yet, as far as the estimations on his workload via the fact that we’re taking the tempo down on practices and the workload as we prep for Thursday. If we can have him, great. If not, I do feel very positive about the Colts game for sure. I’m not in a place yet to rule him out quite yet.”

Former Lions TE T.J. Hockenson ruled out for Week 7 matchup

Former Lions TE T.J. Hockenson ruled out for Week 7 matchup with his knee injury suffered in the last meeting between the two teams

The Week 7 matchup between the Lions and the Minnesota Vikings was poised to feature the 2024 debut of Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. The former Lions first-rounder was looking to return to action for the first time since suffering a knee injury in the Week 15 meeting between the two teams last year.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, Hockenson was ruled out from facing his old team in the final injury update from Minnesota.

It’s a nice break for the Lions to avoid playing Hockenson, who was Minnesota’s leader in receptions, targets and catch rate in 2023. The Vikings have replaced Hockenson with Johnny Mundt at tight end, but he’s not nearly the threat of the 2019 first-rounder by the Lions. Detroit traded Hockenson to Minnesota at the 2022 NFL trade deadline for draft picks that the Lions also traded away in parts of other, later deals.

 

Lions vs Vikings: Wednesday injury report medical analysis

Lions vs Vikings: Wednesday injury report medical analysis for both Detroit and Minnesota

DETROIT LIONS

Carlton Davis (NP) quad, CB

Davis left the game after getting a cleat to the head early in the 3rd quarter. Good to see no concussion or head on the report.

As far as his quad, there were no signs of any leg issue during his final drive. Guessing this is a precautionary issue and we will see him with an LP/FP on Thursday which would put him on track to play.

Brian Branch (LP) knee, S

The knee listing is a surprise but the LP suggests there is nothing serious going on. It’s possible he landed hard on his knee during his interception return early in the 4th quarter. He played the first two plays of the next drive without obvious issues, but then was replaced by Brandon Joseph the rest of garbage time. Branch looked to be in good spirits on the sideline.

Unless there is a surprise NP on Thursday, I’d expect him to play vs the Vikings.

Dan Skipper (NP) ribs, OT

Skipper hurt his right ribs in game three vs the Cardinals but didn’t miss a game. He was wearing a visible protective pad on that right side during the Cowboys game. Regardless, he felt good enough to “run” a WR route late in the 4th quarter. Expect him to be available vs the Vikings.

Frank Ragnow (NP) rest, C

Good to see that Ragnow’s pec is not on the report. He strained his left pec 3.5 weeks ago and the Cowboys game was his first game back. He was taken out late in the 4th quarter during garbage time but will be available vs the Vikings.

Kevin Zeitler (NP) rest, OG

Like Ragnow, Zeitler was removed from the game late in the 4th during garbage time. He will also be available on Sunday.

Christian Mahogany (FP) illness, OG

After a bout of mono starting in July, this 6th-round rookie started practicing again on Tuesday October 8. From a physical standpoint, the mono likely has not been an issue for over 1.5 months. Because he is so far behind from a mental standpoint, I expect him to max out the full 21-day practice window. Expect him to be put on the active roster around October 29.

NOTABLES

Aidan Hutchinson was placed on IR with a left tib/fib fracture. Expect him back in limited fashion for the Super Bowl.

Kyle Peko was placed on IR with left pec surgery. He is out for the year.

Kerby Joseph hurt his hamstring during practice last week. Good to see he is unlisted this week.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Blake Cashman (NP) toe, LB

A turf toe issue will likely keep this important LB out this Sunday. He played 100% of snaps the past two games.

Aaron Jones (NP) hamstring, RB

A right hamstring (or iliotibial band issue based on where it was wrapped) will very likely keep Jones out. The Vikings traded for Cam Akers this week so we may see a lot of him.

Harrison Phillips (NP) shoulder, DT

This starting nose tackle would be a big loss in the middle.

TJ Hockenson (LP) knee, TE

Hockenson may not be ready to play this week coming off his ACL suffered against the Lions last year.

Akayleb Evans (NP) hip, CB

Evans is a special teamer who hasn’t played on defense in the past four games.

Patrick Jones (NP) shoulder, DE

Jones has five sacks on the year so his loss could be impactful.

Dalton Risner (LP) back, OG

Risner has yet to play this year due to injury.

The full report:

Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson getting closer to a return

With the Minnesota Vikings at 3-0 and looking at a big matchup with Green Bay, tight end T.J. Hockenson could be getting close to a return.

The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the biggest surprises so far in 2024, thanks in large part to the play of their defense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has the Vikings defense confusing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators all across the league, and has put together a unit that is legitimately one of the best defenses in the entire league.

While the Vikings’ defense may be the star of the show, the team’s offensive success shouldn’t be overlooked. Most thought it laughable that quarterback Sam Darnold could lead this offense, given his previous struggles, particularly as a starter with the New York Jets.

Darnold has defied the odds so far this season, putting together the best season of his career in 2024. Darnold had just the second four-touchdown game of his career last week against the Texans and has a passer rating far exceeding anything he’s done up to this point.

What’s even more surprising is that he’s been able to do so without the services of wide receiver Jordan Addison for a large portion of the season and has been without the Vikings’ best weapon, not named Justin Jefferson, tight end T.J. Hockenson, for the entirety of the season as he continues to recover from the knee injury he suffered last year.

Good news could be on the way for Darnold, Hockenson, and the Vikings offense. ESPN’s Vikings beat reporter Kevin Seifert reports that the Vikings could get Hockenson back on the practice field as early as next week. Hockenson is still on Injured Reserve, so the clock hasn’t officially started on his return, but He seems to be ahead of schedule in his rehab, and the team is eager for his return.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had this to say on the subject:

He’s doing great. I’ll continue to defer to the medical staff on that. Hoping to get T.J. up and rolling as soon as possible.

The Vikings play division rivals Green Bay this week and have a chance to move to 4-0 on the season and put some early distance between themselves and the rest of the NFC North. Getting that cushion and starting the clock on Hockenson’s return could put the Vikings in a great spot to take the division crown and return to the playoffs in 2024.