It’s no secret that the Minnesota Vikings have relied heavily on the receiving abilities of tight end TJ Hockenson.
While the team has an elite roster with deep threats like receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Hockenson has been a constant target for backup quarterback Nick Mullens in recent games. Minnesota may need to find an alternative at the tight end position after Hockenson suffered a low hit that knocked him out of the recent loss to the Detroit Lions. Hockenson was convulsed, was immediately removed from the field and did not return to action. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the recent news regarding Hockenson doesn’t look good, as the star tight end plans to undergo an MRI on Christmas Day. The team reportedly has very low expectations as the tight end is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. Nick Mullens will have to find an alternate option for Minnesota to make the playoffs. Hockenson has 95 receptions for 961 receiving yards and five touchdowns as he has established himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He will be replaced by backup tight end Josh Oliver, who is relatively inexperienced and certainly not as much of a threat as Hockenson. The devastating loss to Detroit not only clinched the NFC North championship for the Lions, but also dropped Minnesota to 7-8. At 7-8, Minnesota is out of eighth place overall in the NFC and on the outside looking in when it comes to a playoff berth. Minnesota finishes the season with two big games against division rival Green Bay and a revenge game against Detroit in the final week of the season.
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