Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has been designated as ‘physically unable to perform’ ahead of training camp, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Monday.
“T.J. will begin training camp on the PUP list,” said O’Connell. “He’s well ahead of schedule, from a standpoint of some of the benchmarks throughout his rehab.”
The 27-year-old, two-time Pro Bowler suffered the knee injury in 2023, during a week 16 loss to his former team and division rival Detroit Lions, tearing both his ACL and MCL. Hockenson then had to wait five weeks for the swelling to go down before having surgery in late January.
“The significant injury that it was… we want to make sure that everything is done the right way for T.J. because he’s such a significant part of our organization moving forward,” O’Connell added.
Hockenson began his career with Detroit, after being the eighth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was traded to Minnesota at the midway point of the 2022 season, where he totalled 60 catches for 519 yards and three scores across 10 games with his new team. His role expanded the following season, operating as the Vikings’ top target while star receiver Justin Jefferson sat out with an injury. There, he caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five scores before going down with an injury of his own.
