TJ Hockenson Makes a Proper Comeback After a Long Time

T.J. HockensonMinnesota Vikings debut The attack against Washington Commanders two years ago still seems incredible. vikings was exchanged for He caught Hockenson on Nov. 1, 2022, and had nine catches for 70 yards five days later.

“Just his football IQ and his love for the game,” Wes Phillips said. “We try to make everything as digestible as possible so it comes in a short week. But especially if you’re coming in the middle of the year and you’re trying to learn the offense. It’s really just learning that game plan.”

Hockenson two years ago processed quickly Minnesota’s game plan made an immediate impact. On Sunday, the Vikings relieved him of an ACL injury. Hockenson just played 45% of snaps and I ran 24 routes out of 39 Sam Darnold returns. Darnold targeted him three times and had three catches for 27 yards.

The US Bank crowd cheered when he took the field for warm-ups, then cheered when the stadium camera showed him stretching with his teammates. Minnesota opened Hockenson’s 21 day application window in London and he approached Returning against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams.

Still, they kept him out during the short week and assigned him to against the Indianapolis Colts. He caught his first pass in Minnesota’s third game. There was a two-yard route on first-and-10, but the crowd cheered so loudly that the Vikings had to silence the drive to start their next play.

“It was beautiful,” Hockenson said. “I was excited to come back. I was excited to get the first touch quickly and hear them go. It’s been a long road for me so I was just happy to be there with the kids and in front of these fans. It’s really incredible.”

Hockenson has been working his way back ever since Kerby Joseph I shot him in the knee In the 16th week of last year. He said the injury left him in a difficult situation dark placeand underwent a long rehabilitation process to return. Still, Hockenson looked like the player he was before his injury, albeit in a limited role.

Even though he didn’t have ten catches for 100 yards, unlocked Minnesota’s offense opens things up for its teammates. justin jefferson He had his second consecutive 100-yard game and caught seven passes for 137 yards. Vikings tooreleased three people.” Jordan Addison He finished with five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown, including two receptions on the first drive.

Hockenson can contribute to the run game as a blocker and Aaron Jones He finished with 64 yards. Cam Akers He added 46 points in his first game with the Vikings this season.

“Those three guys, in my opinion, are who we want to build our offense around; Aaron Jones and our running game are a big part of what we want to do,” he said. Kevin O’ConnellCiting Jefferson, Hockenson and Addison. “We have too many weapons.”

Josh Oliver he also finished with five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

“I love 8-4,” Hockenson said. “He’s a dog in the trenches. … They let him go a few times and it’s great. I love seeing this.

Hockenson’s presence relieved the pressure on Jefferson. This also allowed the Vikings to get the ball to Addison, who had just three targets and two receptions for 22 yards against the Los Angeles Rams.

Darnold’s two interceptions and questionable incompetence He stopped the offense in the first quarter. Minnesota’s defense, though kept in the gameand the offense dominated in the second half. The Colts kept Hockenson from beating him in his return. However, it prevented their defense from locking down Jefferson, Addison, and Jones throughout the game.

He returned after a long wait.

“It’s a great feeling… obviously the energy to get back on the field, hear Skol chanting, hear everyone talking loud and just kind of do our own thing,” Hockneson said. “So we were able to move the ball. We needed to score some goals in the first half and we started to do that in the second half, we made some very good adjustments and we’re making good progress now.”

It may take a few weeks for Hockenson to return to his old form. But as he showed in his first game for the Vikings, he can make an immediate impact even if he’s not at full capacity.