EAGAN, Minn. — Two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson will return to practice Friday for the first time since tearing his ACL and MCL last December against the Detroit Lions.
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell announced on Wednesday that the team would open his practice window at the end of the week.
Hockenson will travel with the Vikings, who play the New York Jets Sunday in London, and will join the team in practice on Friday.
"It's just going to be great to have him back on the grass with the guys," said O'Connell. "I know he's been really looking forward to it."
When Hockenson returns, the team will have 21 days to elevate him to the active roster. By waiting until the end of the week, Minnesota will have two games following the bye for his potential return — Oct. 20 against the Lions or Oct. 24 against the Los Angeles Rams.
"That gives us some flexibility. ... He's done a great job, he feels great," said O'Connell. "But we've got to get him acclimated back to football, so that's kind of the plan."
Hockenson 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 IR to open the season, giving the team the option to open his practice window after four weeks.
Hockenson struggled with drops at times early last season but rebounded to become one of Minnesota's more reliable targets down the stretch. He finished with a team-high 95 receptions, and his 960 receiving yards were second only to star receiver Justin Jefferson (1,074).
