Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson should be viewed as a TE2 option when he takes on his former team, the Detroit Lions, in Week 9. It's been a disappointing season so far for Hockenson, who hasn't quite looked the same since an ACL tear in late 2023 and now ranks as the No. 22 fantasy tight end at the halfway point of this season. None of the Vikings played well in a Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, but Hockenson had just three targets, two catches, and 26 yards receiving. The veteran tight end and the Vikings will now turn back to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed the past five games with an ankle injury. In McCarthy's two starts this year, Hockenson had just four catches for 27 yards, and both of those took place before receiver Jordan Addison returned from a suspension. With the Vikings struggling and Hockenson set to be the team's third option, at best, he should be played only in formats that start two tight ends.
Oct 31, 2025 4:34 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught two of three targets for 26 yards in Thursday night's 37-10 loss to the Chargers. After back-to-back games with six receptions, Hockenson took a step back in this game with his quietest performance since Week 2 against the Falcons. It was a struggle for the Vikings offense as a whole, as the Chargers dominated them up front. Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz was under heavy pressure most of the night, and the team averaged just 3.1 yards per carry. The 28-year-old tight end tied Jordan Addison for the second-most receiving yards on the night, which speaks to the struggles of the passing game. Hockenson will look to get back on track against his former team, the Detroit Lions, in Week 9.
Oct 24, 2025 10:09 AM EST
With the Minnesota Vikings set to travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers this Thursday, tight end T.J. Hockenson is a solid TE2 option with some additional upside. The downside for the big tight end is that he's clearly the team's third option behind two stellar receivers, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and will be reliant upon backup quarterback Carson Wentz. The positive part is he's still averaging 6.5 targets per game with Wentz, including one red-zone target per week. The Chargers have been strong against fantasy tight ends, but are still allowing points on 46% of opposing drives -- one of the worst rates in the league -- and just surrendered 281 total receiving yards to Indianapolis last week. With the Chargers' foremost concerns likely centered around stopping the run and the Vikings' receivers, Hockenson could have a handful of key chances to do some damage.
Oct 22, 2025 10:07 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson was among the many at U.S. Bank Stadium who was not thrilled that his apparent fourth-quarter touchdown catch was overturned by replay on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The big tight end made an acrobatic play in which he caught the ball in the air, though it came in contact with the ground while in his hands as he fell to the turf. He juggled as he turned over, regathered, and stayed in bounds, but replay determined the play -- called a touchdown on the field -- should be overturned. "New York can't call in and say it's not a catch when every other ref out there says it is," Hockenson told reporters after the game. "That's all there is to it. It's just crazy." Hockenson finished with a solid six catches for 49 yards, but the touchdown that wasn't surely irked a few fantasy managers as well.
Oct 20, 2025 10:27 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a middle-of-the-pack TE2 option with his team set to play host to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7. Not only has the veteran tight end's production swung wildly from week to week, but the Eagles have been particularly good against fantasy tight ends, holding them to the fourth-fewest points. However, Hockenson has had better production with Carson Wentz, who will start Sunday with J.J. McCarthy (ankle) listed as questionable as he returns from injury. Still, Hockenson has finished among the top 15 fantasy tight ends just once in five tries, making him hard to trust in formats that play only one tight end.
Oct 17, 2025 4:45 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a mid-range TE2 heading into his team's Week 5 meeting against the strong defense of the Cleveland Browns. The veteran tight end has picked up the pace during the past two weeks, going for 11 targets, nine catches, 88 yards, and a touchdown with backup quarterback Carson Wentz under center, but Minnesota has bigger issues on Sunday. The Vikings have ruled out three of five starters on the offensive line, hampering an offense that was already without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and running back Aaron Jones (hamstring). Against a Browns defense with one of the top defensive lines in the game, the Vikings are facing a tall task that could limit the number of opportunities for offensive players like Hockenson.
Oct 3, 2025 4:13 PM EST
Faced with another solid opportunity for production, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a low-end TE1 candidate against the Cincinnati Bengals, though fantasy managers could certainly be forgiven for being leery about his potential following two straight duds. The veteran tight end is facing a plus matchup for tight ends against the Bengals' defense, but is also coming into the game with four catches, 27 total yards, and zero red-zone targets in two games. Most concerning, the Vikings will be without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and could be starting three offensive linemen -- from left tackle to center -- with a combined two NFL starts. It's clear the Vikings are going to have to be more creative offensively in the following weeks, however, and that should mean more involvement for Hockenson.
Sep 19, 2025 7:23 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson should be viewed as a starting option when his team plays host to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. The Iowa product had an unremarkable statistical performance in Week 1, but so did most of the Vikings, who were brutal offensively for three quarters before surging to victory in the fourth against the Bears. This time out, Hockenson faces a Falcons defense that is mid-tier against tight ends while the Vikings are still missing No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) for another couple weeks. The passing game led by first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy figures to see a boost behind the home crowd, and Hockenson should be one of the biggest benefactors.
Sep 12, 2025 5:23 PM EST
With the Minnesota Vikings going through changes at wide receiver, tight end T.J. Hockenson is a starting-caliber option as his team prepares to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The veteran tight end figures to be a key part of Minnesota's passing game with wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) set to miss the first three games, and could very well be the team's second option behind superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. Hockenson started only nine times last season while recovering from an ACL injury the year prior, and figures to see a natural boost nearly two years post-surgery. He caught 95 passes in 2023 despite the Vikings playing half the season with backup quarterbacks, which bodes well for managers who drafted him as Minnesota breaks in first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025.
Sep 6, 2025 3:40 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (hip, leg) will take part in Wednesday's training camp practice, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Hockenson injured his hip/leg during Saturday's practice and was walking around with a noticeable limp, but it wasn't a serious injury, and he's already back on the practice field. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Vikings hold the 28-year-old out of their preseason opener this Saturday against the Houston Texans, but Hockenson shouldn't be in any danger of not being ready for Week 1 of the regular season. The two-time Pro Bowler played in only 10 games (nine starts) in his second full season with Minnesota last year due to injury, but he proved in 2023 that he's at least a midrange TE1 in fantasy when healthy with a 95-960-5 line. Hockenson should see more targets to begin the year with receiver Jordan Addison suspended, too.
Aug 6, 2025 5:06 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that tight end T.J. Hockenson (groin) remained sidelined at training camp practice on Monday. O'Connell said Hockenson is dealing with some "day-to-day bumps." Hockenson reportedly suffered a minor groin injury during practice on Saturday and hasn't been on the field since. The 28-year-old was walking with a noticeable limp over the weekend, and it remains to be seen when he'll rejoin the rest of the team at camp. Until we hear more, it sounds like an injury that shouldn't keep Hock from being ready for Week 1 in early September. He got a late start in 2024 while recovering from ACL surgery and finished with 41 catches, 455 yards and no touchdowns in 10 regular-season games (nine starts) in his second year in Detroit. If Hockenson is healthy in 2025, he'll be a midrange TE1 while working with quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Aug 4, 2025 6:51 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (undisclosed) suffered an apparent injury during Saturday's practice. While there hasn't been an official update from the team regarding the exact nature of the ailment, it appears Hockenson may have suffered a groin injury. He remained on the field with the team, although he was "walking slowly." The 28-year-old began the 2024 campaign on the physically unable to perform list due to a torn ACL and MCL. Unfortunately, he struggled throughout the year and finished with only 41 catches for 465 yards while going without a trip to the end zone. Hockenson is seemingly building rapport with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, so there's reason to believe he can turn it around in 2025. However, he'll need to stay healthy. With that said, fantasy managers should consider Hockenson as day-to-day, with an update likely to come within the next few days.
Aug 2, 2025 9:19 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson appears to be becoming a favorite target of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. During their first practice, McCarthy reportedly looked efficient and effective while targeting Hockenson quite frequently. Hockenson could certainly use a boost after being limited to 10 games last season. He returned from a torn ACL and never quite regained his superstar form. Before the injury, Hockenson posted back-to-back 900-plus receiving yard seasons. The Vikings don't have a ton of weapons on offense, so fantasy managers could be looking at a bounce back year from Hockenson.
Jul 25, 2025 8:48 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson brought in all five of his targets for 64 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 27-year-old was able to break free for a nifty 26-yard catch-and-run late in the third quarter, but that would be the team's only TD -- and highlight -- of the game. The Vikings' offense fizzled out for the second straight week as quarterback Sam Darnold's late-season collapse continued. It's an unfortunate ending to the season for Minnesota, who won 14 games and was on the brink of a first-round bye. Still, Hockenson can find a silver lining in that he did not re-injure the knee that kept him out of the season's first seven games. He'll now turn to 2025 with uncertainty at quarterback.
Jan 14, 2025 12:46 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a strong play on the road this Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams. The 27-year-old is coming off his worst outing since returning from injured reserve in early November -; totaling two receptions and nine yards on eight targets in Minnesota's loss to the Lions. His output undoubtedly left fantasy managers wanting. However, the poor performance was not wholly his fault, as quarterback Sam Darnold struggled against a Detroit D that was always there to make a play. Hockenson will look to bounce back in the Wild Card round and stands a decent chance to do so against a Rams squad that allowed the third-most fantasy points to the position in 2024 (15.8). His success will hinge on Darnold's ability to rebound after a poor performance of his own, though he's already shown he can do that this season. The Iowa product is RotoBaller's PPR TE2 for this week's slate.
Jan 11, 2025 5:51 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson brought in 2-of-8 targets for nine yards in his team's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Lions weren't messing around on Sunday night and were a brick wall on defense for the first time in a few weeks. Hockenson was consistently targeted on third down by quarterback Sam Darnold, but Detroit was there time and time again to break up the pass. It's the Iowa alum's worst outing since his return from injury in a game when the Vikings scored their fewest points of the season. Darnold had pressure in his face all night, and the Lions' defensive backfield was equally impressive in their coverage. Unfortunately for Minnesota, they'll prepare for a road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night in lieu of a week off and home-field advantage. LA allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to TEs in the regular season, so Hockenson stands a good chance at a productive day during Wild Card Weekend.
Jan 6, 2025 12:28 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will get a tough matchup this Sunday night in a road tilt with the Detroit Lions. Hockenson had a nice total his last time out in a win against the Green Bay Packers, but he'll have a less vulnerable outing in store against a Lions defense that's limited TEs to 9.2 fantasy points per game in 2024 -; the second-fewest. However, it's worth noting that they've let up sizable performances twice over the past three weeks. Detroit just got torched by George Kittle in Week 17 for 112 yards on 8-of-8 receiving and let Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills combine for six catches and 95 yards two weeks prior. With a 57-point over/under on tap, there should be plenty of opportunities to go around for the veteran. The Iowa alum ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE7 in Week 18.
Jan 3, 2025 5:16 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson corralled 5-of-6 targets for 68 yards in his team's 27-25 win against the Green Bay Packers. The Iowa product posted his highest yardage total since Week 12, bringing in five receptions for the second time in three outings. It was modest output for him on a day when quarterback Sam Darnold torched the Packers for a career-high 377 yards. Darnold spread the ball around effectively -- hitting five Minnesota pass-catchers for at least four completions. Hockenson hasn't been the impact player he was in the prior two seasons, but he hasn't been invaluable. As of his return in Week 9, the 27-year-old is the PPR TE9 -- registering four top-ten weekly finishes. He'll line up for a meeting with the Detroit Lions in Week 18 that presents massive playoff implications.
Dec 29, 2024 10:57 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will get a vulnerable Week 17 meeting with his division-rival Green Bay Packers. The Iowa product produced another low catch and yardage total in Week 16 (2/27) but picked up at least five targets for the sixth time in eight games since his return from injury. Hockenson looked like he might be rounding into form early in his return but has mostly taken a backseat to wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as QB Sam Darnold's preferred targets. However, he'll square off with an exploitable Packers defense this Sunday that's afforded tight ends 13.4 fantasy points per game this season -; the eleventh-most in the league. Until he picks it up, the 27-year-old is better viewed as a back-end TE1. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE8 ahead of Week 17's slate.
Dec 27, 2024 5:41 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 2-of-5 targets in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The sixth-year pro was used sparsely on a day where wide receiver Justin Jefferson commanded most of quarterback Sam Darnold's attention (10/144/2). Otherwise, all other Vikings pass-catchers combined for just 12 receptions and 102 yards against a Seattle defense that hung tough most of the afternoon. It's another disappointing performance for Hockenson. The former Iowa Hawkeye has had two nice games in which he combined for 15 receptions and 186 yards. However, he's recorded only 19 catches and 192 yards in the other six. Things will get a bit easier for him in Week 17 against a Green Bay Packers defense that had allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to TEs ahead of this weekend. For now, though, fantasy managers may want to consider Hockenson as more of a TE2 with upside.
Dec 22, 2024 11:44 PM EST
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