Hockenson led the Vikings in receiving yards and recorded the game's only touchdown on a 17-yard grab with just under six minutes remaining in the game. The talented tight end overcame a rib injury to suit up Monday night, and he'll head into a Week 13 bye that will afford him some extra rest having scored three times in the last five games. Hockenson next faces the Raiders in an interconference road battle Week 14.
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Receiving
Hockenson led the Vikings in receiving yards and recorded the game's only touchdown on a 17-yard grab with just under six minutes remaining in the game. The talented tight end overcame a rib injury to suit up Monday night, and he'll head into a Week 13 bye that will afford him some extra rest having scored three times in the last five games. Hockenson next faces the Raiders in an interconference road battle Week 14.
Hockenson practiced in full Saturday after beginning the week with a pair of limited sessions. He's been dealing with an injury to his ribs since early November, but the issue hasn't caused him to miss any games. Hockenson leads NFL tight ends with 75 catches and 736 receiving yards on the campaign, and he's also notched four touchdowns.
Hockenson played through the rib injury the past two weeks and piled up 15 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown in his familiar three-down role. He'll likely be fine for Monday's game against the Bears, and might be looking at another week without WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring - LP) around to compete for targets.
Hockenson has been tending to a rib injury since the Vikings' Week 9 win in Atlanta, but he's still been able to play the last two games on his way to 15 catches (on 22 targets) for 189 yards and one touchdown. During that same span, there's been the looming decision whether or not to activate Justin Jefferson (hamstring) from injured reserve, but the star wideout continues to be listed as limited. Even if Hockenson is rejoined by Jefferson on Monday against the Bears, the tight end should remain one of quarterback Joshua Dobbs' top options in the passing game.
For a second straight week, Hockenson had a cap on his practice reps due to the injured ribs that he sustained back in a Week 9 win in Atlanta. The issue didn't stop him from playing this past Sunday against the Saints, when he put up 11 catches (on 15 targets) for 134 yards and one touchdown on a season-low 68 percent snap share. Now that he's in the clear to continue suiting up for game days, Hockenson may be welcoming back Justin Jefferson (hamstring) this weekend. If that doesn't come to pass, though, Hockenson and rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison will remain the top pass-catching options for quarterback Joshua Dobbs.
Hockenson was Joshua Dobbs' favorite target, and he commanded double-digit opportunities for the third time in four games. Typically utilized near the line of scrimmage, this game stood out for Hockenson due to his work down the field, as he tallied three receptions of more than 20 yards -- highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown just before halftime. While it was an excellent performance, he is likely to have more target competition soon with Justin Jefferson (hamstring) nearing a return from injured reserve.
Hockenson played through the injury after suffering it in Sunday's 31-28 win over Atlanta, finishing seven catches for 69 yards while playing more than three-fourth of available snaps. He seems to have come out of the game with significant soreness but has a shot to avoid any absences after managing limited practice participation throughout the week. Fantasy managers will be glad to hear the Vikings and Saints have an early kickoff (1 ET) given that WRs Justin Jefferson (hamstring) and K.J. Osborn (concussion) also are listed as questionable.
Hockenson was the Vikings' leading receiver during Sunday's 31-28 win over the Falcons, but O'Connell revealed after the game that the tight end was tending to a rib issue. Hockenson is expected to be a limited practice participant to begin the week, but the team hopes that he won't be forced to miss any game action. A better idea of his status should come into focus as the week rolls along.
Hockenson had a quiet first half, hauling in only one of three targets for seven yards. However, he came alive as Joshua Dobbs got settled into the game, with two of the tight end's catches going for key first downs and another setting up the game-winning score in the second half. Hockenson has now topped 50 receiving yards in five consecutive games, and it appears that he'll remain productive even without Kirk Cousins (Achilles). However, Hockenson also suffered an oblique or rib issue, so monitoring his status for a Week 10 matchup against New Orleans will be important.
Team
Minnesota Vikings
Birthdate
7/3/1997 (26)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'5", 248 lbs
Draft Info
2019: Rd 1; Pk 8 (DET)
Birthplace
Chariton, IA, USA
Position
TE
College
Iowa
Experience
5th season
Career History
Detroit Lions
2019 - 2023
(4 seasons)
Minnesota Vikings
2022 - Present
(2 seasons)
Previous Game
10
Final
12
5
REC
50
YDS
1
TDS
2023 Season Stats
REC
REC YDS
REC TDS
YAC
AVG YDS
80
786
5
283
10
