Hockenson brought in five of seven targets for 52 yards in the Vikings' 30-12 win over the Bears on Monday night. Hockenson played third wheel in the air attack to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but the veteran tight end still turned in a solid line that featured his second-highest catch total since Week 10. Hockenson also drew the second-most targets of any of his first seven games since his delayed season debut, and he should once again garner a fair amount of Sam Darnold's attention in a Week 16 road trip to Seattle.
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Status
ACTIVELatest T.J. Hockenson news
Team
Minnesota Vikings
Birthdate
7/3/1997 (27)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'5", 245 lbs
Draft Info
2019: Rd 1; Pk (DET)
Birthplace
Chariton, IA, USA
Position
TE
College
Iowa
Experience
6 seasons
Career History
Minnesota Vikings
2022-Present
(3 seasons)
Detroit Lions
2019-2022
(4 seasons)
Hockenson brought in five of seven targets for 52 yards in the Vikings' 30-12 win over the Bears on Monday night. Hockenson played third wheel in the air attack to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but the veteran tight end still turned in a solid line that featured his second-highest catch total since Week 10. Hockenson also drew the second-most targets of any of his first seven games since his delayed season debut, and he should once again garner a fair amount of Sam Darnold's attention in a Week 16 road trip to Seattle.
Hockenson secured four of five targets for 45 yards in the Vikings' 42-21 win over the Falcons on Sunday. The veteran tight end was quiet throughout most of the afternoon, but he opened the second half with catches of 10 and 18 yards on the Vikings' first possession of the third quarter. Hockenson's reception total was the third highest of his injury-delayed season, as was his yardage tally. Hockenson and the Vikings next welcome in the Bears for a Week 15 home matchup on Monday night, Dec. 16.
Hockenson had three receptions for 28 yards on six targets in Sunday's win over Arizona. Hockenson didn't produce much yardage but he was still tied for second on the team in targets. He should rebound next week against Atlanta. One concern is that he has just five targets inside the 20-yard line this season and no targets inside the five-yard line. He hasn't been part of the Red Zone mix so far this season.
Hockenson recorded seven receptions on nine targets for 114 yards in Sunday's 30-27 overtime win over the Bears. Hockenson gained a combined 112 yards in his first three games of the season, though he had an explosive performance in Sunday's win with three receptions of at least 20 yards. It was also his first 100-yard performance since Week 10 of the 2023 season. The Vikings talked up Hockenson's role heading into Sunday's matchup, particularly with Josh Oliver (ankle) sidelined, and he should start to see a more consistent role moving forward.
Hockenson said Friday that he expects his playing time to start trending upward, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports. Hockenson has played just under 50 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the three games he's played in since his activation from the reserve/PUP list. With fellow Vikings tight endJosh Oliver battling an ankle injury and ruled out this week, Hockenson has been taking more practice reps in packages he hasn't played in this year. Getting on the field more should lead to a larger route share, which in turn boosts Hockenson's target-volume projection.
Hockenson had two receptions for 13 yards on three targets in Sunday's win at Tennessee. Hockenson was on the field with the starters and played on 35 of the offense's 73 snaps, going out on 25 routes. After drawing nine targets in his previous game, he wasn't utilized as much against the Titans which was a surprise since he's likely just getting back to full speed in his third game since returning from a torn ACL. He played the same share of snaps (45%) as his two previous games, so it's possible he could see increased usage as the season progresses.
Hockenson recorded eight receptions on nine targets for 72 yards in Sunday's 12-7 win over the Jaguars. Sunday marked Hockenson's second game since returning from a torn ACL, but he quickly emerged as a favorite option for Sam Darnold. He tied for the team lead with nine targets and easily led the unit in yardage. Hockenson's longest gain came on a 26-yard catch and run early in the fourth quarter to set Minnesota up for the game-winning field goal. He has the potential to be one of the most impactful players at the position down the stretch, particularly if Darnold continues to struggle when pushing the ball down the field.
Hockenson (knee) caught three of four targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 21-13 win over the Colts. Hockenson returned from a lengthy recovery from surgery to his MCL and ACL tendons dating back to a Dec. 24 injury in the 2023 season. The star tight end was eased back into action with just four targets Sunday, but he figures to see his workload increase as the season progresses. Make sure Hockenson is rostered in your league, as he could provide significant value at a shallow fantasy position. A road game against Jacksonville is on deck for the Vikings.
Hockenson (knee) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game against the Colts. With a trio of full practices behind him this week, Hockenson is poised for his first game action since he tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee Dec. 24. With Hockenson healthy, QB Sam Darnold will have his full allotment of skill-position talent available this weekend, namely WR Justin Jefferson, RB Aaron Jones, Hockenson and WR Jordan Addison.