The Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Tuesday. A series of tests confirmed that the tight end tore both the ACL and MCL ligaments in his right knee.
Hockenson’s injury came during the Vikings’ 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. During the Vikings’ second offensive play of the third quarter, Hockenson was knocked in the knee by Lions safety Kerby Joseph while leaping to grab a pass. He immediately made his way to the sideline, where he remained for the rest of the game.
“It was a very, very unfortunate play,” O’Connell remarked following the game. “We’ve done a nice job [in the NFL] of helping take out some of those head and neck area hits to the defenseless players, [but] some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys. It was awful to see that happen.” This injury has rained on Hockenson’s parade in what has been an emphatic first full season with the Vikings. He ranks second in the NFL in catches by tight ends (95) and third overall in receiving yards (960).
