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TJ Hockenson Reportedly Looks Really, Really Good…

Originally posted on Minnesota Sports Fan
By Ezra Greenman | Last updated Jul 31, 2024 3:54 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings star tight end TJ Hockenson is making significant strides in his recovery. Last season, Hockenson suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, resulting in surgery to repair his torn ACL and MCL.

Most expect Hockenson to miss the start of the upcoming season, some thought it could be half the season. But judging by how good he looks at Vikings training camp, you’d apparently think he’s much more ready to go than what we’ve been told.

Minnesota Vikings TE TJ Hockenson looking really, really good

Hockenson has been actively present, even though he isn’t participating in team activities yet. He’s been working on his own, with trainers, focusing on his recovery. According to local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) on the ‘Mackey & Judd Show’ Tuesday, Hockenson “looks really, really good”. So good, in fact, that Doogie can’t help but wonder if TJ’s recovery timeline is going to be fast tracked…

“Now I get it, he’s not in any football gear, but the way he’s moving off to the side, cutting, catching the ball—one of the trainers is throwing him passes so he’s cutting left then turning then going right. TJ Hockenson looks really, really good. I don’t know what that means in terms of early September.”

“I’ve always thought he was going to miss at least some chunk of the regular season, but I get it when Kevin O’Connell told us last week that Hockenson is ahead of schedule. You hear it, and you’re like, ‘Okay, well maybe.’ Now that you see it, we can’t necessarily film that, but we’re sitting there watching it off to the side.”
Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

When can we expect TJ Hockenson back on the field?

Week one still feels like a stretch. But the Minnesota Vikings are set to face the New York Jets Week 5, in London, followed by their bye week. Can TJ Hockenson get on the field before that early bye? Even if he only misses four or five games, it would be a significant win, given earlier timelines.

“TJ Hockenson looks to be doing very, very well. Could he be back even before that London game? Maybe before that London game, not after the bye—that is something that’s very much on my radar.”
Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Hockenson played his first full season with the Vikings last year and had an outstanding performance. He racked up 960 yards in just 15 games and scored 5 touchdowns. Getting Hockenson back into the offense would be a significant boost for the Vikings.

This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.

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