By: Justin Gincauskas
Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL and MCL during Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions.
The 26-year-old hurt his knee after making a catch down the middle in the early stages of the third quarter. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters Tuesday that Hockenson suffered season-ending injuries to his ACL and MCL. Hockenson had four catches for 58 yards before he exited the game.
O’Connell also said that linebacker D.J. Wonnum would be out for the rest of the year after suffering a torn quad.
“TJ Hockenson did sustain an MCL and ACL injury,” O’Connell said. “He will go on IR, as well. Crushed for both of those guys. Two of our most impactful players. Leaders on our team. Kind of set the standard of what we want as Minnesota Vikings in every aspect of who they are as men and teammates and players on the grass. Two guys that will be difficult to overcome their loss, but we’re gonna have to have guys step up, and hopefully still have those guys involved and around our team, because they are like I said, leaders, and very, very important to our locker room.”
Hockenson was having a career year with Minnesota. He had 95 receptions for 960 yards, along with five touchdowns. His receptions and yards are the most he has ever had in a season in the NFL. Hockenson has been the best receiver for the Vikings this season, leading the team in yards.
The Vikings are 7-8 with two games remaining on the schedule. After losing to Detroit, Minnesota has dropped down to the eighth seed in the NFC. They currently have a 29% chance of making the playoffs, but that will go down to 4% if they lose to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.
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