Vikings HC says it's 'very much a possibility' big-time playmaker returns this week

The Minnesota Vikings (5-1) suffered their first loss of the season in Week 7 to the Detroit Lions (5-1).

As difficult as it was for the Vikings to give up their first-place lead in the NFC North, there seems to be a silver lining. Minnesota has a good chance to get back one of its best playmakers this week.

Two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson has been working his way back from a torn ACL and MCL, which he suffered late last season.

His 21-day practice window is nearing its end, and head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't ruled out the possibility of him returning this week.

"It's early. We'll make that determination kind of as these next couple of days [go by]," O'Connell said via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "As we put together game plans, we want to have a good feel for that. But, very much a possibility."

Getting Hockenson back would be a massive boost to the Vikings offense, which is already averaging the sixth-most points per game (28) and 13th-most total yards per game (333.2) in the league.

The 27-year-old has been a reliable target since joining Minnesota in 2022, registering 155 catches for 1,479 yards and eight touchdowns in 25 games.

However, the team doesn't have long to decide this week since it is playing the Los Angeles Rams (2-4) on "Thursday Night Football."

The Vikings did list Hockenson as a limited on Monday's injury report estimate, but only time will tell if he will complete his comeback this week.

If he does, he will make Minnesota's star-studded offense, which already has running back Aaron Jones and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, even more difficult to defend.

Hockenson has 341 catches for 3,547 yards and 23 touchdowns in his six-year NFL career.