T.J. Hockenson
Tight End #87
T.J. Hockenson News
T.J. Hockenson is Gaining Value Ahead of Week 3
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is looking to break out after two average performances to begin the season. The veteran tight end has been held under 40 receiving yards during each of the first two games. Better days should be ahead for Hockenson with quarterback Kyler Murray set to return for the Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hockenson has a chance to do some damage against a defense that has allowed 172 yards and two touchdowns to tight ends this season. The 29-year-old might be able to push himself into the low-end TE1 range for this weekend. He'll be worth a look for fantasy managers who need a tight end for Week 3.
Sep 22, 2026 5:16 PM EST
So-So Day For T.J. Hockenson Amid Poor Conditions
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson finished Sunday with three catches for 29 yards in a 9-3 victory against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings scored a key division victory, but neither side did much in the passing game on a lousy weather day. Minnesota only threw 20 times as it relied upon the ground game, but Hockenson still compiled a decent performance on four targets, finishing second on the team in receiving. The veteran tight end should see an upgrade at quarterback now that starter Kyler Murray (concussion) is on track to return in Week 3 at Tampa Bay. Hockenson has been a steady TE2 so far this season, giving him some continued lineup appeal in deeper formats, especially.
Sep 20, 2026 1:10 PM EST
Lineup Potential For T.J. Hockenson In Week 2
The Minnesota Vikings will once again turn to quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, which could improve the fantasy prospects of tight end T.J. Hockenson. With the backup QB at the helm, the Iowa product played well in Week 1, logging four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown that spurred the Vikings' comeback against Green Bay. More importantly, he was second on the team in targets, trailing only star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Hockenson was a top-five player at his position before his knee injury late in 2023, and while he might not return to those heights, he seems to have a decent spot among fantasy tight ends early in 2026. Facing a Bears secondary that struggled in Week 1, Hockenson is a solid TE2/flex option who could offer even more if targeted in the red zone.
Sep 18, 2026 12:34 PM EST
T.J. Hockenson Back in Week 2 Streaming Mix
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson opened 2026 with four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown on five targets in Sunday's 39-22 win over Green Bay. The score came on a 16-yard pass from Carson Wentz, who took over after Kyler Murray left in the first quarter with a concussion. It was a better fantasy line than Hockenson gave managers most weeks last season, when he finished with 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Five targets still do not suddenly make him an every-week starter, especially in an offense with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings. Murray also remains in the concussion protocol, leaving Minnesota's Week 2 quarterback situation unsettled for now. Hockenson is back in the streaming conversation after finding the end zone, but this is still a deeper-league play rather than a priority claim. Managers looking for help at tight end can consider him for Sunday's trip to Chicago, particularly in 14-team formats.
Sep 15, 2026 7:30 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson Finds End Zone In Vikings Win
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson posted a solid day in his team's 39-22 victory against Green Bay by catching four of his five targets for 36 yards and a touchdown. Despite losing quarterback Kyler Murray (head) on a penalized hit, the Vikings still rallied for 29 unanswered points to wrestle away control of the game, with Hockenson's 16-yard touchdown catch from backup Carson Wentz starting the surge. Hockenson's five targets ranked second on the team behind nine for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, an encouraging start to the year despite another quarterback injury. The veteran tight end was a top-five fantasy player before a knee injury late in 2023, so he could be an intriguing buy-low candidate early this year. Minnesota will stay in the NFC North by visiting Chicago next week.
Sep 13, 2026 5:17 PM EST
T.J. Hockenson A Middling Option Against Green Bay
Tight end T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings should be considered a mid-range TE2 when his team opens the season by playing host to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The veteran has had quite the roller coaster since being traded to the Vikings, posting top-five fantasy seasons in 2022 and 2023 before a major knee injury changed his outlook. Hockenson played only 10 games in 2024, and the Vikings' quarterback limitations held Hockenson to just 438 receiving yards and a career-worst 8.6 yards per catch in 15 contests last year. Now healthy and still just 29 years old, Hockenson could be one of the beneficiaries of Minnesota signing quarterback Kyler Murray. The Packers ranked 21st against PPR tight ends last year, but Hockenson's volume is unpredictable with receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and now Jauan Jennings all candidates to draw key targets. Rated RotoBaller's No. 20 tight end for Week 1, Hockenson is a depth piece in standard formats for now, but he could become a significant riser if the Vikings' offense takes off behind Murray.
Sep 11, 2026 1:00 PM EST
T.J. Hockenson Only a Deep-League Waiver Add for Week 1
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is still sitting on plenty of waiver wires, but that does not make him one of the better Week 1 tight end pickups. He is rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues after finishing 2025 with 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets in 15 games. Minnesota's offensive-line problems were part of it. Hockenson had to stay in and chip more often, which cut into his routes. There has been at least one encouraging sign this summer, with Hockenson and new starting quarterback Kyler Murray connecting repeatedly in the red zone during camp. The target tree is still crowded with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings, though, and Hockenson has not been a reliable weekly fantasy starter lately. RotoBaller has him at TE22 for Week 1 and lists him as an add in 14-team leagues. That is probably where he belongs. In a standard 10- or 12-team league, there are better streaming bets on the wire.
Sep 8, 2026 7:15 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson Should be Viable TE2 Option
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson hasn't been the same on the field since tearing his ACL in January of 2024. Since returning from injury, Hockenson has 92 receptions for 893 receiving yards and three touchdowns across 25 games. He hasn't been horrible, but Hockenson used to be a top-five player at his position. It's tough to have success when J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer are offering subpar play at the quarterback spot. The hope is that the 29-year-old bounces back with Kyler Murray under center for the Vikings to begin the season. Murray had a ton of success when he was in Arizona with stud tight end Trey McBride. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Hockenson to be a top option at his position, but he could offer viable TE2 value.
Aug 19, 2026 5:13 PM EST
T.J. Hockenson Makes Sense as a Second Tight End
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is much easier to take a chance on now that his cost has slipped into the later rounds. He caught 51 of 66 targets for 438 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last season, finishing TE22 in PPR after a TE34 finish in 2024. That's a long way from the TE4 season he posted in 2023, but Minnesota's offense did him few favors. The Vikings cycled through 26 offensive-line combinations, and Hockenson had to spend more time helping in protection. There is still plenty working against a full rebound. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings give Minnesota a crowded group of pass catchers, while J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray are still battling for the starting job. Hockenson has at least looked lively in camp, including a 29-yard grab from McCarthy on Friday. RotoBaller has him 167th overall and TE21 in its August 8 half-PPR rankings, and his consensus ADP is 162.1. That is not a huge bargain. It is cheap enough, though, to take Hockenson as a second tight end and see if some of his old production comes back.
Aug 8, 2026 10:56 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson Is a Late Redraft Swing at TE22
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is no longer being drafted as a weekly difference-maker, which is probably where his 2026 appeal starts. He caught 51 of 66 targets for 438 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last season, his lowest yardage total since his rookie year. Minnesota's offense was a mess around him. Three quarterbacks started, the line cycled through 26 combinations, and Hockenson's routes were reduced because he had to stay in and help in protection. The setup is better, not clean. J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray will split first-team work early in camp, while Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings leave plenty of competition for targets. Hockenson remains the Vikings' lead receiving tight end after restructuring his contract, though he played only 69% of the offensive snaps last year. RotoBaller lists him at TE22 with an ADP of 161.6. That is late enough to take a chance, but managers should pair him with another tight end rather than count on a full return to form.
Jul 23, 2026 12:45 PM EST
Does T.J. Hockenson Have Bounce-Back Potential in 2026?
Across 15 games in 2025, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson recorded 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets. Like all the other pass-catchers for Minnesota, Hockenson's production was limited by the Vikings' bottom-tier quarterback play in 2025. Veteran signal-caller Kyler Murray brings more stability to Minnesota's passing game in 2026, although the team's overall offensive ecosystem is not guaranteed to be significantly improved. Hockenson is also showing signs of athletic decline as he enters his age-29 season, as he averaged a career-low 8.6 yards per reception in 2025. Additionally, the Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, adding a quality target-earner and red-zone weapon to an offense that already features the star wide receiver duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Even at his current ADP of TE22 in redraft leagues, Hockenson may be a player for fantasy managers to avoid in 2026.
Jul 9, 2026 10:21 AM EST
Should Dynasty Managers Be Looking to Move on from T.J. Hockenson?
Across 15 games in 2025, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson recorded 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets. While Hockenson's numbers don't jump off the page, the Vikings got some of the worst quarterback play in the league in 2025 from the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota's passing game should be significantly improved in 2026 following the offseason acquisition of veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Still, Hockenson's production has been trending downwards in recent years, and he's now entering his age-29 season and the final year of his current contract with the Vikings. Minnesota also signed former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, who seems likely to take Hockenson's role as the tertiary pass-catcher in Minnesota alongside star wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Dynasty managers may want to consider selling Hockenson before his stock drops even further in 2026.
Jun 15, 2026 8:38 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson's Dynasty Stock Continues to Trend Down
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has been disappointing in recent years, and it appears that trend could continue in 2026. Hockenson had a modest 51 catches last season, resulting in just 438 yards and three touchdowns. He has been the TE26 or worse in each of his last two seasons, and he has just three touchdowns over his last 28 regular-season games dating back to 2023. Part of the reason for Hockenson's struggles could be a crowded receiver room of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but more likely, poor quarterback play can be blamed. J.J. McCarthy played in just 10 games last year, and even when he was healthy, he had more interceptions than passing touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Vikings brought in quarterback competition in Kyler Murray, but his track record of supporting fantasy tight ends isn't great. Trey McBride was the TE10 in standard leagues with Murray healthy last year, and he jumped to TE1 once Murray went down with an injury. It seems like neither McCarthy nor Murray is capable of getting Hockenson back to his pre-2024 form, which consistently saw him rank among the top five fantasy tight ends. His track record is too strong to drop him in dynasty leagues, but he's certainly not startable anytime soon. He should be stashed on the end of the bench in most formats.
May 27, 2026 10:12 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson's Bounce-Back Chances Stifled by Improved Pass-Catching Depth
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson was a popular bounce-back candidate after his 438 receiving yards in 2025 marked the lowest total since his rookie season. With the Vikings agreeing to a one-year deal on Thursday with former 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings, Hockenson's chances of a fantasy resurgence took a meaningful hit. While operating largely in the intermediate areas of the field over the past two seasons, Jennings has caught 132 passes for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns. Now surrounded by Jennings, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison, Hockenson is unlikely to approach the 120+ targets of his glory days, but he is one more year removed from the ACL injury that ended his 2023 season, and the presence of Kyler Murray is expected to increase scoring opportunities for the entire Vikings offense. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE22 and falling, Hockenson could still provide usable fantasy depth, making him a worthwhile buy on the inevitable post-trade dip.
May 8, 2026 5:50 AM EST
Can T.J. Hockenson Bounce Back with Improved Quarterback Play in Minnesota?
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson turned in a disappointing season in 2025, recording 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets across 15 games. Like the rest of Minnesota's pass-catchers, Hockenson's numbers were impacted by a Vikings' offense that received subpar play at the quarterback position from the underwhelming combination of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota added veteran signal-caller Kyler Murray over the offseason, and Murray should help stabilize the team's passing game in 2026. Still, Hockenson has now recorded just 893 receiving yards and three touchdowns across 25 games over the past two seasons. Since tearing his ACL late in the 2023 season, the soon-to-be 29-year-old has struggled to regain his peak form. While the upgraded quarterback play in Minnesota certainly improves Hockenson's outlook for 2026, his overall dynasty value is fading as he enters his eighth NFL season.
May 7, 2026 12:00 PM EST
T.J. Hockenson Should Still Have More to Give
After finishing as the TE5 or better in three of four seasons from 2020 through 2023, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has seen a steep decline in production, with his 5.8 fantasy points per game in 2025 the lowest output since his rookie season. Perhaps reassuringly, all of Minnesota's pass catchers shared a similar story in 2025, hampered by some of the worst quarterback play in the league, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer combining to throw only 17 touchdown passes on fewer than 3,200 yards. The Vikings have since signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, and his past affinity for involving his tight ends has contributed to four combined top-10 seasons from Zach Ertz and Trey McBride. The soon-to-be-29-year-old Hockenson avoided an influx of target competition when Minnesota opted to stand pat at the position in free agency. If he can survive what looks to be a deep tight end draft class, a later career resurgence isn't out of the question with him still slated to be a primary target-earner behind only Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Apr 16, 2026 5:26 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson Still Trending Down in Dynasty Leagues
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson continues to trend in the wrong direction for dynasty fantasy football managers. Hockenson is coming off some of the worst seasons of his career. He was the TE26 and TE34 in the last two years, and he was limited to a modest 51 catches for 438 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. The good news for Hockenson is that he remains the No. 1 tight end in Minnesota after the team didn't bring in any significant competition during free agency. He could also get a slight quarterback upgrade, given that he'll be catching passes from the better half of J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray. With that said, a quarterback change can only do so much. Hockenson needs to get healthy and productive, two things he hasn't done since 2023. There's a little bit of buy-low appeal here in hopes that the veteran can bounce back as a top-18 fantasy tight end, but it's hard to envision a path to him ranking as a TE1 next year. He's more of a TE3 with TE2 upside.
Mar 26, 2026 5:50 PM EST
T.J. Hockenson Restructures Deal with Vikings
Tight end T.J. Hockenson and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a restructured contract that lowers his 2026 cap hit by $5 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Following back-to-back top-five fantasy finishes in his first two seasons in Minnesota, Hockenson has struggled through injuries and inconsistent quarterback play over the past two years, finishing as the TE26 in 2025 while failing to top 450 receiving yards. He is currently being valued as a low-end TE2 in dynasty startups, making him a sneaky buy candidate, as the Vikings have made no secret of their desire to add quarterback competition or an entirely new starter when the league year opens on Wednesday.
Mar 8, 2026 5:12 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson Coming Off a Frustrating Year
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson had an underwhelming season as the team endured poor quarterback play and inconsistency at the position. Hockenson played 15 games in 2025, starting all of them. He caught 51 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns, posting the lowest receiving yards total and fantasy points per game mark since he was a rookie. He ultimately finished as the overall TE26 in full-PPR leagues. Although it's fair to blame the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer for Hockenson's frustrating year, that doesn't mean he'll magically bounce back in 2026. McCarthy is due back as the Vikings' quarterback next season. Interestingly, Hockenson also struggled with Sam Darnold as his quarterback in 2024, so he really hasn't been a trustworthy fantasy tight end since Kirk Cousins quarterbacked the Vikings in 2023. Hockenson is under contract for two more years, but the Vikings have a potential out this offseason. If Minnesota releases Hockenson post-June 1, they would create $15.96 million in cap space while taking on $5.34 million in dead money. It certainly wouldn't hurt the Vikings to keep the veteran tight end to help support McCarthy's development, but we also wouldn't be surprised to see the team's next general manager capitalize on this opportunity to create cap space.
Feb 12, 2026 8:02 AM EST
T.J. Hockenson to Miss the Regular-Season Finale
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) will not play in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, according to Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press. Hockenson was unable to practice at all this week and will miss a second straight game to close out the 2025 season. The 28-year-old was highly inconsistent this year for fantasy managers as a starting tight end option, primarily because of the inconsistent play that the Vikings got out of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Going into Week 18, Hockenson ranks as the TE23 overall in half-PPR scoring with 51 catches on 65 targets for 438 yards and only three touchdowns in 15 games played. With Hockenson out again this weekend, Josh Oliver will be the team's TE1, but he'll be a risky, touchdown-dependent TE2 streaming option for fantasy managers with McCarthy returning in Week 18.
Jan 2, 2026 5:19 PM EST
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