T.J. Hockenson

ESPN’s Dan Graziano said the Vikings believe they “will have [T.J. Hockenson] back at some point during the first half of the season.”

This always felt like the most likely scenario for Hockenson, whose 2023 came to an end in Week 16. The veteran tight end had a career year last season, catching 95 passes for 960 yards — both career highs, while also hauling in five touchdowns. He suffered a torn ACL and MCL in that Week 16 contest against the Lions, which usually takes six to nine months to fully return from. In some cases, it can take longer. Hockenson will be nine months removed from his injury in late September. He remains a prime candidate to open the year on injured reserve while continuing his recovery, likely leaving Robert Tonyan or Josh Oliver to serve as the team’s starting tight end.