Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson exited practice on Saturday with an apparent injury that could impact his availability going forward.
“T.J. Hockenson appears to have suffered a lower body injury and is being evaluated during practice,” Minnesota Star Tribune beat writer Andrew Krammer reported on August 2. “Looks like a groin injury based on how Hockenson is trying to shake it off.
“Hockenson tells me ‘I’ll be all right’ as he walked off the field after practice. He did not return but still had a noticeable limp,” Krammer said.
Last year, Hockenson missed the first half of the season while on the mend from knee surgery. While he indicated to Krammer that he’d be fine, the Vikings have not offered an update as of Sunday, August 3.
J.J. McCarthy is already missing Justin Jefferson due to a hamstring tweak. Losing Hockenson would be another hit to the available opportunities for McCarthy to develop chemistry and gain a feel for two of his top targets in the offense.
The Vikings play their first game of the preseason on Saturday, August 9, against the Houston Texans. How much the first-team offense will play is to be determined.
How T.J. Hockenson Could Make the Biggest Impact for Vikings, J.J. McCarthy
As McCarthy continues to learn Kevin O’Connell‘s offense, Hockenson will play a vital role for the 22-year-old quarterback.
O’Connell’s offense emphasizes deep crossing routes to scheme receivers open, which require time to develop. If that time is not there, that’s where Hockenson can make hay.
As one of the best route-running tight ends in the league, Hockenson is given many options to read the defense and find soft spots in coverage to attack.
The Pro Bowl tight end is the ideal chain-mover for McCarthy, who can find him on easy underneath targets as the opposing defense will have to respect Jordan Addison and Jefferson on deeper routes.
Hockenson could be in for a major year if he can remain healthy.
“He was OK — didn’t appear to trust the knee, especially in blocking, which is common for that injury,” an anonymous NFL coordinator told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on July 11. “But I expect him to have a strong year. He will trust it more a year removed and that offense is set up nicely for him. And he’s got such a good feel for the game that he’ll find ways to get catches.”
J.J. McCarthy, T.J. Hockenson’s Offseason Connection
Despite the potential for Hockenson to miss some reps with McCarthy, the duo has spent considerable time building a connection in the offseason.
In July, McCarthy had a throwing session with the team’s tight ends.
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McCarthy also played golf with Hockenson over the summer in the NFLPA Classic.
Hockenson was seen badgering McCarthy, who was on Harrison Smith’s team in the tournament.
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“He’s an incredible talent. Super smart. He’s a guy that is able to lead a team, you can tell that just being out here with him for a few days,” Hockenson said earlier in training camp. “Being able to hang out with him in the offseason, really getting close to him, I know what he wants to be as a player, and I’m just here to help him and be a tool for him to use.”
