The Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday night that star tight end T.J. Hockenson has finally undergone successful surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Hockenson was initially injured during the Vikings Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions on a hit by safety Kerby Joseph.
The team released a statement on the matter Monday evening.
Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson underwent successful surgery to repair his torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) today. The surgery was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, Calif. The team will continue to provide updates, as appropriate, during Hockenson’s recovery.
Hockenson reportedly had yet to undergo surgery to repair the ligaments in his knee, reportedly to allow the MCL tear he also suffered in the hit to heal naturally. That swelling has abated in recent days and now Hockenson will begin the arduous task of rehabbing the injury.
Hockenson is an integral part of what the Vikings do on offense, providing a great target over the middle and a reliable safety valve for Kirk Cousins — or whomever the quarterback may be. The skill and production that Hockenson brings is tough to replace, but it’s likely that Minnesota will have to find a way to replicate his contributions early on in the season.
Knee injuries like the one Hockenson suffered typically have a rather long timetable for recovery. We’ll have to see how rehab goes for Hockenson in the offseason and just how soon he’ll be able to get back on the field, but it’s a possibility he’s not ready to go at the start of the season.
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