Vikings' TJ Hockenson has career-year cut short after devastating knee injury

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The Minnesota Vikings got hit with a case of insult to injury — or in this scenario, injury to insult.

Minnesota’s playoff hopes took a hit over the weekend with their 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions, who clinched their first NFC North title since 1993.

But during the game, tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a knee injury and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game — now we know why.

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T.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (David Berding/Getty Images)

The Vikings announced Tuesday that Hockenson had suffered a torn ACL and MCL on a tackle.

In the beginning of the third quarter, Hockenson caught a ball over the middle, and Kirby Joseph hit him low. Hockenson quickly stood up but limped off the field, and was ruled out shortly after.

Hockenson had already set career-highs with 960 receiving yards on 95 receptions.

Earlier this year, he inked an extension worth $68.5 million. His $42.5 million was the most ever guaranteed to a tight end.

Not only does the injury further dampen the Vikings’ hopes for playing football in mid-January, but it also has implications on next season, considering it could be a year-long recovery. Week 1 next year would be less than nine months since the injury.

T.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by  Kerby Joseph #31 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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