The Minnesota Vikings have gotten off to an incredible start to the 2024 NFL season. In what many believed would be a rebuilding year for the team following the departure of quarterback Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold has helped lead the Vikings to a 5-0 record.
The undefeated start is also a bit of a surprise due to Minnesota playing without one of their best offensive playmakers, tight end TJ Hockenson. Last season, the two-time tight end suffered a torn ACL and MCL. Because the injury happened late in the year, his recovery time has stretched into the 2024 regular season.
There was hope that Hockenson would be able to make his return after the Bye Week, but Vikings fans will have to wait a little longer to see him take the field.
The Minnesota Vikings Have Ruled TJ Hockenson Out and Re-Signed Robert Tonyan
Hockenson was activated off the PUP list late last month, signaling that his return to the field was near. However, at that time, it was reported that he likely would not be ready to play in a regular season game until October 24 at the earliest.
Still, many hoped that his limited participation in practice all week leading up to Minnesota’s Week Seven matchup with the Detroit Lions, Hockenson’s former team, was a sign he was progressing ahead of schedule.
Unfortunately, the Vikings made the decision on Saturday afternoon to rule Hockenson out for Sunday.
To replace him for this week, the Vikings re-signed Robert Tonyan to their 53-man roster. Back in 2020, Tonyan tied the Green Bay Packers’ franchise record for the most touchdown receptions in a single season by a tight end (11).
Tonyan has already been elevated from Minnesota’s practice squad three times this season, so they had to sign him to their 53-man roster.
Of course, this does not mean that Tonyan will remain with the Vikings all season long. It is likely that he will be released again once Hockenson is healthy enough to play.
However, this does mean that Tonyan will make more money for playing on Sunday and that Minnesota has to pay him at least three game checks if they release him later.
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