Hockenson to begin season on PUP list, out at least 4 games

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will miss at least the first four games of the regular season on the PUP list as he continues to rehab a torn ACL, the team announced Tuesday.

Hockenson was one of the NFL's most productive tight ends before sustaining the season-ending injury in a Week 16 clash against the Detroit Lions. He tallied 960 yards (fourth at the position) and five touchdowns (tied for seventh) on 95 receptions (second) in 15 games.

Josh Oliver is expected to lead the tight end room while Hockenson is sidelined. He posted 22 receptions, 213 yards, and two touchdowns in 2023.

Hockenson, a two-time Pro Bowler, has caught 341 passes for 3,547 yards and 23 touchdowns in 72 career games with the Vikings and Lions.

The 27-year-old joins rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in missing regular-season action. Minnesota placed McCarthy on season-ending injured reserve with a torn meniscus.