It has been a while since star tight end T.J. Hockenson has talked to reporters. He spoke publicly back on April 15 with the Vikings in the process of starting organized team activities.

As his teammates were readying themselves to get back on the field, Hockenson was still in the early stages of his recovery process as he worked his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He wasn’t exactly sure of a timeline back then. All he knew was that the adversity was going to make him stronger in the long run.

“The dark times make the bright times better,” Hockenson said at the time. “You’ve got to go through it sometimes.”

Though it seems as if Hockenson is getting closer to returning, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Vikings place him on injured reserve in the interim. A new rule in the NFL this year allows teams to place a pair of players on injured reserve with a designation for return during roster cuts.

If the Vikings decide to make use of this new rule, Hockenson still will be required to miss at least a month.

It raises the question: Who steps up in his absence? The answer might surprise even the most diehard fans.

As much as star receiver Justin Jefferson and fellow receiver Jordan Addison will be a focal point of the passing game, veteran tight end Johnny Mundt is somebody worth keeping an eye on. Not only has Mundt seamlessly stepped into Hockenson’s spot, he has flourished in all phases throughout training camp at TCO Performance Center.

Sometimes he’s making a big catch deep downfield. Sometimes he’s laying a nice block in the trenches.

“He’s got such a good feel,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “He always seems to be in the right spot doing the right thing with great technique. and those players tend to be favorites of coaches. I think Johnny has been great. There’s a reason why he has been here every day since I’ve got here.”

It’s true. As soon as O’Connell was hired by the Vikings a couple of years ago, he made it a point to go out and sign Mundt. After working together with the Los Angeles Rams, O’Connell knew he wanted Mundt to be a part of what he was trying to build with the Vikings.

The impact has been rather modest across 34 games with the Vikings as Mundt has recorded 36 catches for 312 yards and a pair touchdowns while playing behind Hockenson and fellow tight end Josh Oliver. The production will likely increase now that Mundt is stepping into a larger role in the offense.

“Every time he goes in, he produces,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “He’s where he’s supposed to be. He’s strong through the catch point. He’s hard to get hands on through the route. He just kind of does everything right. He’s a very valuable piece of our offense.”

Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt (86) slips a attempted tackle from Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) in the fourth quarter of a football game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

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