EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has not ruled out playing in Sunday's critical early season tilt with the Detroit Lions.
The two-time Pro Bowler spoke on Thursday about the progress he's made since returning to practice nearly two weeks after tearing his ACL and MCL last December against Detroit.
"I've felt great," Hockenson said. "I've loved every second of it, just being back out with the boys and hanging out with them on the field, because the last however many months, I haven't been out there, so just to be around the guys again and feel football, I'm just enjoying my time."
Hockenson has missed nearly 10 months after he went down during a game on Christmas Eve last season when Lions safety Kerby Joseph dove toward his legs in the third quarter. He had successful surgery in late January and has used the offseason to recover. The team placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to open the season, and on Oct. 4, opened his 21-day practice window.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he's been using the past two weeks to help Hockenson get acclimated with game action, but the former No. 8 overall pick back in 2019 said he's passed every physical test and continues to feel good through his recovery.
"It's stronger than its probably ever been," Hockenson said of his leg. "Now it's just going out there and playing ball. I've passed every test by miles from where my ground base was, so I'm bigger, stronger, faster than ever, so now I'm ready to go out there and play ball."
Should he not return Sunday, the Vikings (5-0) have a quick turnaround with a game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams where he could also make his return.
"It all depends day-to-day," Hockenson said. "My window's open, so just playing it by ear each day. As long as I'm feeling good, with everything rolling, we'll just keep it there."
Hockenson has been a key receiving target for the Vikings since the team acquired him midway through the 2022 season in a rare inter-division trade with the Lions. In his 25 games with Minnesota, Hockenson has hauled in 155 passes for 1,479 yards and eight touchdowns. He led the team with 95 receptions last season, and his 960 receiving yards were second only to star receiver Justin Jefferson (1,074).
"I'm just excited to (get back) out there and be in the huddle again," said Hockenson.
