As the Vikings have slowly eased star tight end T.J. Hockenson back into the mix, they haven’t asked for him to be the workhorse that many expected him to be right out of the gates.
Some of that has been because Hockenson is still ramping up after returning a torn ACL. Some of that has been because fellow tight end Josh Oliver has emerged as a mismatch in both the running game and the passing game.
The stats speak for themselves since Hockenson made the his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago.
In the Week 9 win against the Indianapolis Colts, Hockenson played 33 offensive snaps (45 percent), while Oliver played 41 offensive snaps (56 percent).
In the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hockenson played 39 offensive snaps (46 percent), while Oliver played 57 offensive snaps (68 percent).
In the Week 11 win over the Tennessee Titans, Hockenson played 35 offensive snaps (48 percent), while Oliver played 41 offensive snaps (56 percent).
“We kind of had a plan to get back into it smoothly,” Hockenson said. “I would expect things to go up.”
It’s a good bet that Hockenson will see his workload increase when the Vikings play the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.
Though he was already in position to garner more playing time, Hockenson will presumably play an even bigger role than usual with Oliver nursing an ankle injury that could force him to miss the game.
Asked about Hockenson’s playing time earlier this week, coach Kevin O’Connell made it clear that the Vikings have been trying to pick their spots with him, so he can have a maximum impact on the game.
“He’s getting better and better,” O’Connell said. “We’re very fortunate to have him back in there.”
The impact of Hockenson has been felt since he made his return a few weeks ago. He’s served as a security blanket for veteran quarterback Sam Darnold in crucial moments, and while Hockenson is still searching for the end zone, he has racked up 13 catches for 112 yards.
“He’s a great football player,” Darnold said. “I’m happy to have him back.”
So is star receiver Justin Jefferson. The seemingly constant attention that Jefferson garners from opposing teams on a weekly basis should be lessened as Hockenson continues to see his workload increase.
“There are a lot of different things that these teams try to do to eliminate him,” Hockenson said. “It’s on us to make some plays and do some things to get them out of that.”
That’s something Hockenson has taken a lot of pride in doing since the Vikings traded for him a couple of seasons ago.
“It’s been a lot of fun to be able to play with him,” Hockenson said. “He’s going to be here for awhile. I’m going to be here for awhile. We’ve got a lot of fun ahead of us.”
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