Battered and bruised, the Minnesota Vikings are facing an uphill climb to reach the playoffs and the journey the rest of the season will likely be without star tight end T.J. Hockenson.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the outlook for Hockenson’s knee injury is “not good” and the Vikings are “bracing for damage” to be revealed in the results of an MRI.
Initial outlook is ‘not good’ on #Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson’s knee injury, per source. Team hoping to be surprised by today’s MRI but bracing for damage.
Hockenson put together another Pro Bowl-type season with 95 catches for 960 yards and five TDs.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 25, 2023
Hockenson, who has 95 catches for 960 yards and five touchdowns, suffered the injury on a low hit to his legs in Sunday’s 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions. Without him, the Vikings will have to rely on tight ends Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse.
Hockenson wasn’t the only weapon to go down with an injury against Detroit. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Jordan Addison is considered week to week with a sprained ankle.
Jordan Addison is considered week-to-week with an ankle sprain, source said, pending further testing today. That info comes today. https://t.co/MkD2072Je8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 25, 2023
Meanwhile, edge rusher D.J Wonnum reportedly suffered a partially torn quad muscle and will miss the rest of the season.
#Vikings OLB DJ Wonnum, in the midst of a career year with 62 tackles and 8 sacks, suffered a partially torn quad, source said, an indication he's played his last down this season.
Coach Kevin O'Connell said it was a serious, adding: "You can see what DJ means to our team."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 25, 2023
The Vikings will be shorthanded this coming Sunday night against the Packers. Minnesota has to win out and get help with the Rams or Seahawks losing once in order to clinch a playoff spot.
