Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (back) is out for Thursday's game vs. the Lions. He didn't practice all week, and it's possible we don't see him in Week 18 either. Hockenson's absence leaves Josh Oliver as Minnesota's likely lead TE. He's only in play in Thursday daily contests.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has a hairline fracture in his right hand and is out for Thursday's game vs. the Lions, HC Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday. We imagine that McCarthy will also miss the season finale, but we'll keep you updated on his status. McCarthy's absence on Christmas puts QB Max Brosmer back under center. He threw for 126 yards, 0 TDs, and 4 INTs in a Week 13 loss in Seattle. The spot on Thursday -- at home for Detroit's 26th-ranked QB defense -- is much better. But Brosmer isn't even a recommended QB2 start and adds a ton of risk to Minnesota's skill-position players.

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (shin) is not listed on the final injury report for Sunday night's game vs. the Cowboys. He was sidelined on Wednesday but took part in the final two practices of the week. Hockenson remains a low-upside TE2 in Week 15 fantasy lineups.

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson (shin) did not practice on Wednesday. We'll keep tabs on his status for Sunday night's game vs. the Cowboys, but Hockenson shouldn't be in your Week 15 fantasy plans. He's averaged just 4.2 targets, 3.4 catches, and 27 yards over his last five games.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy managed just 150 passing yards, with 1 TD and 2 INTs in Sunday's loss to Chicago. He completed 16 of 32 attempts against a Bears D that entered the week ranked 26th in pass DVOA and still missing top CB Jaylon Johnson. It was McCarthy's fourth game with less than 160 passing yards among five outings this season. He now has 6 TD passes vs. 8 INTs.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy averaged just 22 pass attempts across his first three starts this season. That vaulted to 42 attempts in Sunday's loss to the Ravens. McCarthy completed just 20 of those throws (47.6%) for 248 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs. He added 48 yards on five rushes, leading Minnesota in ground yards for the game.

Vikings QB Carson Wentz will start Thursday night's game vs. the Chargers, HC Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday. QB J.J. McCarthy "is not there yet" with his ankle, McCarthy said. The second-year QB was never likely to return on this short week, but we're tentatively expecting him back for Week 9.

Vikings QB Carson Wentz will start this weekend’s game vs. the Eagles, HC Kevin O’Connell announced Friday. QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was limited in practice this week but will be the emergency third QB for this game. It sounds like Minnesota wants him to get in a full week of practice before taking back over. Wentz is only in play in 2-QB and superflex fantasy leagues, but he’s been an upgrade for WR Justin Jefferson and the rest of the passing game.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said after Sunday's win over the Bengals that QB Carson Wentz will start next weekend's game against the Steelers in Dublin. That's not a surprise after reports that QB J.J. McCarthy would miss 2-4 weeks with his high-ankle sprain.

Bears LB T.J. Edwards is doubtful for Monday night's game against the Vikings because of a hamstring injury that has cost him "nearly a week and a half" of practice so far, according to Bears Wire's Alyssa Barbieri.

Vikings’ WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is expected to return to practice this week, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.

Vikings’ WR Jalen Nailor hurt his hand and will undergo further evaluation, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that WR Justin Jefferson's hamstring is "progressing" and that he'll be re-assessed next week, per The Athletic's Alec Lewis. Jefferson has been sidelined since July 25.

Justin Jefferson, who has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury, is still not practicing, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Vikings WR Jordan Addison has been suspended for the first three games of the 2025 season for violating the league’s Substance Abuse Policy.

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson missed Monday's practice with an injury he suffered in Saturday's practice. According to beat writer Judd Zulgad, HC Kevin O'Connell called it a "hip, leg, back -- whatever you want to classify it at."

Vikings TE Josh Oliver (wrist, ankle) is off the final Week 14 injury report and will be back for Sunday’s game vs. the Falcons. That could mean a slight dip in pass routes for T.J. Hockenson, but he remains a fine TE1 play.

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson managed just 3 receptions for 28 yards in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. His 6 targets tied for second on the team, though, and constituted 19.4% of Sam Darnold's total pass attempts. Hockenson also ranked third among Vikings in routes, running one on 72% of Darnold's dropbacks.

Vikings TE Josh Oliver (wrist, ankle) is out for Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. Oliver’s absence last week was seemingly part of the reason TE T.J. Hockenson registered a season-high 84% route rate. He’s a more comfortable TE1 play with Oliver out again this week.

Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson caught seven of nine targets for 114 yards including setting up the game winning FG with a 29-yard reception. Hockenson had looked sluggish returning from his ACL injury but finally looked fully healthy.