Timeline for Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson to return emerges

It was a gut punch to the offense when the Vikings lost tight end T.J. Hockenson to a torn ACL on Christmas Eve last year. His absence has been felt, but it seems that we may be getting an idea of when he may be returning to the team.

As training camp starts on Wednesday, Kevin Seifert of ESPN wrote about the potential timeline for Hockenson’s return.

“Based on a typical recovery timeline, Hockenson won’t be ready to play until about a month into the 2024 season. There have been no reported complications, but the team should get a better idea of whether he is ahead or behind schedule, or if the original recovery framework remains accurate, during training camp.”

The team has tight ends Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, Robert Tonyan and N’Keal Harry all working for reps within the offense. Oliver is expected to be the starter in the interim but the quick turnaround for Hockenson is favorable to everyone.

Missing the first month could also line up with the emergence of rookie J.J. McCarthy as the starting quarterback, so getting him help at the position is ideal.