The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the best teams in the NFL, with veteran quarterback Sam Darnold firing on all cylinders and making a strong case as a top contender in the NFC.
Although the Vikings have been one of the elite teams in the league, they are coming off their first loss of the 2024 campaign, as they weren’t able to get the best of the division-rival Detroit Lions, who came out on top with a game-winning field goal.
Over the past few weeks, there’s been a lot of speculation about when Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson would be able to return, even though the offense has played well without him so far.
The Vikings have ruled out Hockenson for the “Thursday Night Football” game against the Los Angeles Rams but he is expected to be back in action for Week 9.
“Coming up on the nine-month anniversary of his ACL reconstruction, Hockenson is expected to be activated from injured reserve Friday and make his season debut Nov. 3 vs. the [Indianapolis] Colts,” NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero wrote on X.
The two-time Pro Bowler could be a significant upgrade for the Minnesota offense once he’s healthy enough to return.
The Vikings have been fortunate to be able to give Hockenson ample time to return, with a 5-1 record and about to face a struggling Rams team.
