Vikings tight end is feeling fully healthy and is close to making a return, but he is not expected to play this Sunday against the Lions.
Nearly ten months have passed since Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL from a hit by a Lions player last Christmas Eve, and it’s been almost nine months since Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed his ACL surgery in Los Angeles. He has been running full-speed routes for a while and feels great, but acknowledges that practicing without contact is different from playing in an NFL game.
“You need reps,” Hockenson said on Thursday. “I’ve been running routes for the last five months and refining my movements, but now it’s about going out there and not overthinking. I want to focus on winning and just playing football again.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell noted that Hockenson needs to “get acclimated back into football a little bit.”
The positive news is that Hockenson’s rehabilitation has gone according to plan, to the extent that he feels stronger than he did before the injury.
“It’s healed; testing shows it’s probably stronger than ever,” he said. “I’ve passed every test by a long shot, and I’m bigger, stronger, and faster than before.”
The rehab process has been thorough and well-structured, from his surgery to his current practice routine. The Vikings’ medical team developed a comprehensive plan and has been involved throughout, from rehab in LA to workouts in Nashville and at the TCO Performance Center, utilizing data tracking and video analysis.
“When you’re dealing with an injury like this, you discover who supports you, and the Vikings have been there every step of the way,” Hockenson said. “I can’t say enough good things about Tyler, Matt, and the PT staff, and obviously Coach O’Connell and Kwesi. Ownership has checked in on me a few times too. The whole process has been smooth thanks to everyone involved.”
Throughout the Vikings’ strong 5-0 start, Hockenson has stayed engaged by helping prepare the other tight ends during meetings and listening to O’Connell’s play calls from the sideline during games. He is eager to return but acknowledges that playing this Sunday is unlikely, with a more realistic chance of returning against the Rams next Thursday or the Colts in Week 9.
“I’m just excited to be back in the huddle,” he said.
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