The Vikings are leaving TE T.J. Hockenson on the physically unable to perform list to open the season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. That's no surprise as Hockenson works back from his Dec. 24 ACL tear. The designation means Hockenson will miss at least the first four regular-season games.
ESPN's Dan Graziano in early August, on Hockenson's return timeline: "The estimates I heard in my reporting ranged from three to seven missed games. The latter of those would keep him out until early November, as the Vikings have a bye in Week 6."
HC Kevin O'Connell wouldn't commit to a return timeline late last week: "Mentally, I love where he’s at and physically, by the looks of it that I see like you guys probably. We like where he’s at there. Now it’s just a matter of what folks a lot smarter than me, as far as what that timeline is from a responsible standpoint. But also we know we want to get him out there as soon as we can. He’s a huge part of our team."
If you've been drafting already, then you shouldn't have been treating Hockenson as though he'd help you early in the season.
That said, his depressed draft cost makes the veteran TE an interesting stash if your roster has enough room to stash a second TE.
Hockenson tied Travis Kelce for the position lead in PPR points per game last season. And his production has relied on shorter-range target volume as opposed to more explosive plays.
That helps Hockenson's chances of producing fantasy points even at less than his best once he's back on the field.
TE Johnny Mundt looks like the Vikings' preferred top pass-catcher at the position while Hockenson's out. He'll share playing time with blocker-first TE Josh Oliver.
That share figures to make playing time unpredictable for each guy, but Mundt carries some low-level sleeper potential for especially deep leagues and DFS lineups early this season.
QB Sam Darnold would be better off for having Hockenson as a security blanket to open the year. But perhaps the TE's absence pushes even more targets toward WR Justin Jefferson, WR Jordan Addison, and/or RB Aaron Jones.
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