RELATED: See all of our 2025 Player Spotlights here.
8 Reasons for Optimism
When T.J. Hockenson's 2023 season ended on Christmas Eve, he had the second-most receptions (95), third-most receiving yards (960), and most PPR fantasy points (221) among NFL tight ends, averaging 14.7 per game.
Hockenson took a helmet-to-knee hit from Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph and suffered a torn ACL and MCL. He did not return until Week 9 of the 2024 season. When he did, he was not the same, finishing as TE11 for the rest of the season but averaging only 8.6 PPR points per game.
It has been over 18 months since Hockenson's surgery. Can he return to 2023 form?
While there is risk, eight favorable indicators suggest Hockenson can return to top-five production:
- He has fully recovered from his 2023 knee injury.
- J.J. McCarthy is a tight end-friendly quarterback.
- Hockenson has limited competition for targets aside from Justin Jefferson.
- Minnesota's coaching staff remains intact.
- Minimal changes to the offensive scheme.
- The Vikings have a consistent passing game under Kevin O'Connell.
- Situational motivations exist.
- Touchdowns should increase in 2025.
Let's examine each of these indicators in depth.
#1 Fully Recovered
Hockenson's knee surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on January 29, 2024. Recovery for combined ACL and MCL surgery for athletes aged 25 to 30 usually takes nine to twelve months. It has been 18 months.
Hockenson was fully engaged in offseason workouts, organized team activities, and minicamp, including seven-on-seven drills and timing sessions with McCarthy. There are no reported injury concerns.
#2 A Tight End-Friendly Quarterback
Tight end Colston Loveland was McCarthy's top target in 2023 at Michigan, where J.J. McCarthy delivered a 24.9% target share to tight ends across his final two seasons. Hockenson should benefit from McCarthy's quick release and comfort targeting intermediate routes, where McCarthy completed 92.4% of passes at Michigan.
#3 Favorable Target Competition
Jefferson is the alpha in Minnesota's offense, drawing frequent double coverage that will leave Hockenson in single coverage. On July 17, 2025, Jordan Addison pleaded no contest to a reduced "wet reckless" charge from a July 2024 DUI near Los Angeles International Airport, resulting in probation, a fine, and an expected three-game NFL suspension.
Any missed games for Addison will open more opportunities for Hockenson, who out-targeted Addison in 2023 despite playing two fewer games.
#4 Coaching Staff Continuity
The Vikings' 2024 staff remains:
- Head Coach: Kevin O'Connell (2024 Associated Press Coach of the Year)
- Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips
- Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores
- Running Backs Coach / Run Game Coordinator: Curtis Modkins
- Assistant Head Coach / Outside Linebackers Coach: Mike Pettine
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