As players slowly filtered off the practice field on Thursday afternoon at TCO Performance Center, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson stuck around for about 30 minutes to run routes with veteran quarterback Sam Darnold.

They are doing whatever it  takes to build chemistry on the fly with Hockenson set to make his return on Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts.

“We’re having fun out here on the practice field,” Hockenson said with a smile. “I’m assuming that’s going to carry over.”

This moment has been a long time coming for Hockenson.

After suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee nearly 10 months ago during a Christmas Eve game between the Vikings and the Detroit Lions, Hockenson had successful surgery, then immediately shifted his focus to attacking the recovery process. He spoke to reporters a couple of weeks ago and detailed everything that went into his recovery, claiming to be bigger, stronger and faster than ever before.

Now he’s in the home stretch.

“I’m excited,” Hockenson said. “I’m back with the boys, and that’s the best feeling.”

It doesn’t sound like Hockenson will be on a snap count of any sort. It helps that tight end Josh Oliver and tight end Johnny Mundt will be there to give him a breather if he needs it throughout the Colts game.

“I think T.J. is ready to play,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “As good as he has really looked since we’ve gotten him here, and that’s saying something.”

The production that Hockenson has put forth since the Vikings acquired him at the 2022 trade deadline is pretty remarkable. He has 155 receptions for 1,479 yards in 25 games. His unique skill set should help an offense that has stagnated at times over the past few weeks.

“He’s a complete tight end,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “You’ve seen throughout his career the production that he brings and the mismatches that he can create.”

The hardest part about defending Hockenson is that he can consistently beat whatever is being thrown his way. He can win against man coverage because he’s too big for most safeties and too fast for most linebackers. He can win against zone coverage because he’s a savant when it comes to finding vacated spaces amid the chaos.

“He’s just really smart and savvy in the way he can get open,” Darnold said. “I’m just really looking forward to it.”

So is star receiver Justin Jefferson. Asked if he thinks Hockenson being out there will force defenses to change how they cover him, Jefferson smiled and replied, “I hope so.”

As for Hockenson, while he expected to have some emotions when he took the field, he’s also trying to keep everything in perspective.

“It’s a game I’ve played since I was 5 years old,” Hockenson said. “Just going back out there and playing my game.”

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) takes part in drills during an NFL football workout in Eagan, Minn., Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Related Articles

Vikings left tackle Cam Robinson isn’t tipping his hand

Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman misses practice yet again

Vikings running back Aaron Jones welcomes a heavy workload. Can he sustain it?

The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 9: Rookie leads the most valuables of first half

Source: Vikings acquire left tackle Cam Robinson in trade with Jaguars