Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will remain on the physically unable to perform list and miss at least the first four games of the 2024 NFL season as he completes his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. The news was anticipated after Hockenson suffered last December, and the team decided to place him on the reserve/PUP list rather than hold open a spot for him on its 53-man roster. He will be eligible to return for the Week 5 home game against the New York Jets on Oct. 6 in Minneapolis.

Hockenson was having the best year of his career with 95 catches for 960 yards and five scores through 15 games, before sustaining the season-ending ACL and MCL tears in his right knee on Dec. 24.  Hockenson’s medical team delayed his ACL surgery for 36 days to allow the MCL to heal first, with the expected nine-month recovery timetable always projected to be late September/early October.

The Vikings acquired Hockenson in 2022 from the Lions, since then, has caught more passes (155) than any other tight end in the NFL, for the second-most yards (1,479) in 25 career games with Minnesota.

The Vikings will start their season against the New York Giants on Sept. 8 in East Rutherford, N.J. They will then play the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers.

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