The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a season-ending ACL and MCL injury during their 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 16. It’s unclear how much time the veteran will miss, or if he will be back in time for the beginning of the 2024 season, but Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said: “Knowing T.J., the type of player he is, I’m absolutely looking forward to when we can get him back rolling and ready to have a great 2024 season.” 

Hockenson took a hard hit to his right leg from defensive back Kerby Joseph in the third quarter, which knocked him out of the game. The tight end caught four passes for 58 yards before his exit.

In his first full season with the Vikings, Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games played. His 95 receptions rank second among all tight ends behind Evan Engram, and his 960 receiving yards third behind George Kittle and Travis Kelce. Hockenson set the Vikings’ single-season record in receptions by a tight end, and was on pace to break the single-season record for receiving yards by a Vikings tight end.

The Vikings face-off against the Green Bay Packers Sunday night in Minnesota.

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