Is T.J. Hockenson The Starting Tight End For The Vikings When He Returns?

Will T.J. Hockenson start for the Minnesota Vikings when he returns? John Johnson breaks down the T.J. Hockenson return timeline and fantasy football outlook.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is inching closer to a return to play, and there's a strong possibility his first game back is a revenge game against his former team and now divisional rival, the Detroit Lions. It's been a remarkable recovery for the former Lion, who tore his ACL on Christmas Eve 2023.

He's beaten most timelines for recoveries from ACL injuries, which tend to put players out for around 11 months. A return this Sunday would mean he'd make his debut less than 10 months after his injury. It's a testament to his hard work and willpower that he's achieved this.

But will T.J. Hockenson be the starting tight end for the Minnesota Vikings when he returns?

Will T.J. Hockenson Start For The Vikings When He Returns?

He should slot right back into his starting job, but it remains to be seen if he plays on a snap count or is limited in targets. Typically, players returning from ACL injuries aren't given their full workloads immediately, but experience a ramp-up in activity level over 2-4 outings.

This was an impressive route from TJ Hockenson to convert on third and long last night: easily beats press with the burst to stack the DB and a sharp break out of the route. Rare skillset to be able to do this as a 6'5" TE. Great throw too: pic.twitter.com/d7ROAfZqjP

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) November 25, 2022

He's one of the best players at his position in the league and easily clears the rest of the Minnesota tight-end room. There's no threat to his starting job.

T.J. Hockenson Fantasy Football Outlook

He's a must-start when he returns. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect ridiculous production from the start, and even the best of tight ends have bad games most seasons, but he has top-5 upside every week in a position that's been much less productive in 2024 than expected.

TJ Hockenson with a great route to shake the CB.

9 catches on 9 targets for 70 yards in his #Vikings debut: pic.twitter.com/xJDK8WjucL

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) November 6, 2022

He's a ridiculous athlete and great route runner, can beat multiple types of coverage, and is nearly unguardable in man coverage. He can beat both defensive backs and linebackers with his speed, quickness, size, physicality, and agility. He'll become a preferred target of quarterback Sam Darnold.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell will likely feature him in the red zone prominently as well. So he should never see the bench on fantasy teams as long as he plays.

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