Hockenson had two receptions on eight targets for nine yards in Sunday's 31-9 loss to the Lions. Horrible catch rates was the theme for the Vikings' receiving unit in Sunday's NFC North battle for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Hockenson, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for just six receptions on 23 targets (26 percent catch rate) in quarterback Sam Darnold's worst game of an otherwise impressive season. The 28-year-old Hockenson finishes the regular season with 41 receptions, 455 yards and no touchdowns in an injury-shortened campaign. Minnesota's entire offense will try to get back on track ahead of next Monday's wild-card round matchup against the Rams.
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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 had two receptions on eight targets for nine yards in Sunday's 31-9 loss to the Lions. Horrible catch rates was the theme for the Vikings' receiving unit in Sunday's NFC North battle for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Hockenson, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for just six receptions on 23 targets (26 percent catch rate) in quarterback Sam Darnold's worst game of an otherwise impressive season. The 28-year-old Hockenson finishes the regular season with 41 receptions, 455 yards and no touchdowns in an injury-shortened campaign. Minnesota's entire offense will try to get back on track ahead of next Monday's wild-card round matchup against the Rams.
Hockenson recorded five receptions on six targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 27-25 win over the Packers. Hockenson recorded his highest yardage total since Week 12, highlighted by a 28-yard grab up the seam to help set up a field goal just before halftime. While his yardage totals haven't been particularly impressive, Hockenson's role has been consistent as he has at least five targets in six straight contests.
Hockenson had two receptions on five targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seahawks. Hockenson struggled to put up big numbers Sunday, finishing with his second-lowest receiving total of the season against Seattle. The 26-year-old has been held scoreless in eight starts this season, resulting in middling statistics for a shallow fantasy position. Hockenson and his managers will hope for better results against Green Bay next Sunday.
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.