Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson out for season's first four games

Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will remain on the physically unable to perform list and miss the first four games of the 2024 NFL season, a league source told UPI on Tuesday.

Hockenson, who was having the best year of his career with 95 catches for 960 yards and five scores through 15 games, sustained season-ending ACL and MCL tears in his right knee in December.

He underwent knee surgery in January, is expected to return later this season. The Vikings' decision triggered his mandatory absence of at least four games.

The Vikings will start their season against the New York Giants on Sept. 8 in East Rutherford, N.J. They will then play the San Francisco 49ers , Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers .

If healthy, Hockenson could return for their Week 5 meeting against the New York Jets on Oct. 6 in Minneapolis.