Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell gives update on T.J. Hockenson's injury status

When will T.J. Hockenson return from injury?

During his media availability on Wednesday, head coach Kevin O'Connell was asked about Hockenson's potential return. While he deferred reporters to the medical staff, O'Connell did shed some insight on how Hockenson has been involved during his rehab.

"Yeah, I'll continue to defer to the medical staff on that, hoping to get T.J. up and rolling as soon as possible. And he's done everything we asked. He's itching to get out there. He's asking great questions and meetings. He's helping with that tight end group, really just, I felt a leadership role through him. From him throughout his whole rehab, he's been totally present, almost to the point where sometimes, you know, other than not having a really great player on Sundays, he's so involved, you know, in the meeting room with his teammates"

The Vikings have the opportunity to active Hockenson's 21-day practice window after thus Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers and he could return as early as next week against the New York Jets in London.

The most likely outcome for Hockenson would be for a return after the week six bye. The Vikings play the Detroit Lions in week seven with a Thursday night week eight game against the Rams. With the Vikings playing so well without Hockenson, they might be willing to wait until that Thursday night game so he doesn't have to go deal with a short week.