T.J. Hockenson: Everything you need to know

Hockenson (shoulder) and the Vikings agreed to a restructured contract Saturday that lowers his cap number for the 2026 season by $5 million, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Minnesota continues to get closer to cap compliance with this move, getting Hockenson's league-high $21.3 million cap hit (among tight ends) down to a more palatable $16.3 million, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Hockenson missed the final two games of the 2025 regular season due to a shoulder injury, finishing it with 51 catches (on 66 targets) for 438 yards and three touchdowns in 15 appearances. He and Josh Oliver (ankle) will continue to operate as the Vikings' top two tight ends in the upcoming campaign.

Hockenson (shoulder) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Packers. Hockenson thus will miss the final two contests of the 2025 campaign due to a shoulder injury, finishing it with 51 catches (on 66 targets) for 438 yards and three touchdowns in 15 appearances. He has no guaranteed money on his current contract for next season, but $2.308 million of it does vest as of March 17, so the Vikings seemingly have a decision to make on the 28-year-old's future in the coming months.

Hockenson (shoulder) did not practice Thursday. Hockenson has now been listed as a non-participant on five consecutive practice reports due to a shoulder issue, and he wasn't able to suit up Week 17. Barring a surprising return to the practice field Friday, it appears as though Hockenson is trending in the wrong direction to suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Packers. Josh Oliver will operate as Minnesota's starting tight end if Hockenson is unable to play in Week 18.