With Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison ruled out of the game, they could ill-afford to lose T.J. Hockenson. What do we know about the tight end’s injury? How will the Vikings’ offense manage without arguably their second-most valuable weapon?
T.J. Hockenson Injury Update
Hockenson took a shot to his right knee/thigh area on a 24-yard catch up the seam with the Vikings on their way to a touchdown drive.
After getting up awkwardly, he was able to jog off the field, but then quickly meandered to the medical tent before heading to the locker room.
#Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson went to the medical tent after taking a hit on his right leg during this play.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 24, 2023
The broadcast announced that Hockenson had been ruled out before the Vikings got the ball back on their next drive.
The injury could have been devastating if his right foot had been planted when he was contacted, but he seemed to avoid a catastrophic injury. However, losing him for the rest of the game will make things more difficult for Nick Mullens, who has struggled with his ball security throughout the day.
MORE: Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
Josh Oliver earned a nice second contract for the Vikings, and he is more than talented enough to provide production for Minnesota. However, Hockenson is one of the most dangerous receiving threats at the position in the league.
Hockenson had four catches on as many targets for 58 yards before the injury.
Potential Fantasy Football Impact
The banged-up Vikings are hurting for fully healthy in the passing game and that lends more stability to the ground game. Ty Chandler appears to be the lead back in Minnesota and that role lands him on the RB2 radar down the stretch of this season.
Following the Hockenson injury (and Jordan Addison being ruled out), K.J. Osborn hauled in a deep pass and finished the drive with a score. He won’t be inside my top 35 at the position next week, even if these injuries prove to be prohibitive for Week 17, but his role is certainly on the uptick and that makes him worth an add as various injuries get sorted out.