INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Despite the optimism surrounding his recovery, tight end T.J. Hockenson won't be available for the Minnesota Vikings' Thursday night contest with the Los Angeles Rams.
The team announced Hockenson and offensive guard Dalton Risner were both out for Thursday despite both participating in practice this week.
While the Vikings will be without two starters from last year, the Rams will welcome back two offensive playmakers in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
Kupp's return was pretty evident early on this week, but Nacua being active is somewhat of a surprise given he was only activated from the Injured Reserve on Tuesday. While both receivers are active for Thursday night, it's unclear if they'll be on a snap count.
The Vikings opened Hockenson's 21-day practice window back on Oct. 4, so the team must elevate him to the active roster on Friday for him to be eligible to return this season. Risner also recently returned to practice after suffering a back injury in training camp, but the team won't have to decide on his return until Nov. 4.
Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman was also ruled out for Thursday night's game with a turf toe injury.
