Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson missed the first seven games of the 2024 season while coming off a gruesome knee injury. It took some time to get into a groove last year, but he hopes another season removed from the injury will allow a fast start in 2025.
"I was a step slower than I wanted to be, and I knew that after a couple games," he said, via The Minnesota Star Tribune. "Toward the end of the year, I got more comfortable, and I got back to where I wanted to be."
In 10 regular-season games, Hockenson snagged 41 passes for 455 yards. His lone touchdown last season came in a Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The tight end should play a pivotal role in Week 1 as the Vikings enter the season with a receiver corps dealing with issues. Justin Jefferson has missed time with a hamstring strain but is expected to play. Jordan Addison starts the season suspended. Rondale Moore is out for the year. Jalen Nailor is dealing with a hand injury. The club just brought back veteran Adam Thielen on the eve of the season.
"I'm one of the top route-running tight ends in the league," Hockenson said. "I pride myself on creating separation and you look at it and that's what I do on Sundays. ... There's been times throughout my career I've had challenges and I've always been able to bounce back and be a better player than what I was."
Hockenson's participation this offseason should aid his rapport with first-year starter J.J. McCarthy. The veteran tight end said he's constantly in communication with his QB -- letting him know he can be trusted to be at the right spot, even if the play breaks down.
"We want you here at a spot within a certain timing," Hockenson said of the Vikings offense, "but on the other hand, J.J. is a playmaker. (Kevin) O'Connell wants us to get open."
Hockenson played with Matthew Stafford in Detroit for two seasons and Jared Goff for one and a half. In Minnesota, he was a go-to target for Kirk Cousins and played last year with Sam Darnold. Hockenson noted that Stafford's ability to extend plays and improvise was different than Goff and Cousins, who were more timing-route passers. The veteran noted that McCarthy has a little bit of both styles to his game.
"J.J. is a lot like Staff and a little like Kirk," Hockenson said. "Just depends on the routes and what we're doing. 'I want you here at this time, but on the same hand I want you to get open. I'm going to trust you.'"
McCarthy's ability to extend the play could add another element to head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. But that sort of playmaking also necessitates a level of chemistry with his receivers that takes time. Given the injuries this offseason, that might not be there off the bat -- but it could be with his tight end.
