Like a number of other high-profile players, T.J. Hockenson is eligible to be activated from the PUP list in the coming days. The Vikings tight end does not have a firm return target, but he continues to make progress in his recovery. 
Week 5 is the earliest Hockenson could see the field by rule, but Week 7 was reported earlier this month to be a more realistic point for him to be activated. That contest would double as an important matchup for the two-time Pro Bowler since it is against the Lions. A game against his former team would be signficant, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Detroit matchup may now be seen as an “ambitious” return date.
Schefter does add, however, that Hockenson has impressed the Vikings with his rehab progress from the ACL and MCL tears which ended his 2023 campaign. The season – his first full one in Minnesota – produced career highs in catches (95) and yards (960) along with five touchdowns. Hockenson’s absence was acutely felt on offense to close out the year, although the Vikings have surged out of the gate in 2024. Having the former first-rounder back in the fold will nevertheless give the team a notable boost.
Minnesota has a strong receiver tandem with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but the team’s tight end depth has been tested with Hockenson out of the picture. Josh Oliver logged a 50% snap share through the first three games of the season, but he registered only two catches during that span. Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse are also in place, but of course none of those options offer the upside of Hockenson.
The Iowa product is on the books through 2027 as a result of $16.5MM-per-year extension he inked last offseason. Hockenson’s long-term health is a key priority given Minnesota’s financial commitment to him, and a cautious approach would come as no surprise. Further updates on his recovery and the team’s practice plan will be worth watching closely as a return to action draws closer.