A series of tests revealed that Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in his right knee during the team's 30-24 loss Sunday to the Detroit Lions, coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday.
Hockenson will be placed on injured reserve and surgery will be scheduled soon. Recovery from double ligament tears can take a bit more time, but 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.» The injury occurred on the Vikings' second offensive play of the third quarter.
After leaping to grab a 24-yard pass, Hockenson absorbed a hit to the knee from Lions safety Kerby Joseph. He immediately jogged to the sideline and was soon ruled out for the game. «It was a very, very unfortunate play,» O'Connell said. «We've done a nice job [in the NFL] of helping take out some of those head and neck area hits to the defenseless players, [but] some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys.
It was awful to see that happen.» Hockenson was having a career year in his first full season with the Vikings. He ranks second in the NFL in catches by tight ends (95), third in receiving yards (960) and has been the Vikings' most consistent offensive threat in a season where quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson have both been sidelined by significant injuries.