Minnesota Vikings Downgrade TJ Hockenson and Dalton Risner

TJ Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
An image of practice on Oct. 4, 2024 at The Grove Hotel in Watford, United Kingdom. London gameCredit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

Tonight is the night. The Minnesota Vikings will try to correct course on their 5-1 season vs the Los Angeles Rams, after dropping their first game of the year in week 7 vs the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, we will not see the season debut of TJ Hockenson or Dalton Risner as part of the festivities.

Minnesota Vikings downgrade Hockenson, Risner to OUT vs LA Rams

Thursday afternoon at 3 PM, the Minnesota Vikings officially ruled their pro bowl tight end and pass block specialist at right guard OUT tonight vs the Rams. Both players were limited all week long, in practice, but it was believed they had a very good chance to make their season debuts. But when push came to shove, neither was elevated from their 21-day PUP practice window.

Vikings showing extreme caution with TJ Hockenson

For Hockenson, this seems like a move of precaution. The game tonight will be played on artificial turf and the Vikings can give their very expensive tight end another two weeks to rehab his injury, if they sit him out tonight. Their next game is Sunday, November 3 vs the Indianapolis Colts.

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Friday (Oct 25) is the final day the Minnesota Vikings can activate Hockenson and put him on the active roster. Once a 21-day PUP practice window comes to an end, a player must be elevated or placed on season-ending injured reserve. Unless something crazy happens, he will be on the Vikings’ active roster tomorrow.

WTF is going on with Dalton Risner?

The decision to keep Dalton Risner’s practice window open doesn’t make as much sense. It’s been about a week since Risner stood in front of Vikings reporters and told them he was 100% and ready to play immediately. Three days later, vs the Lions, the 29-year-old five-year NFL vet was not active.

Dalton Risner, Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings offensive line
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

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Now, just four days later, he’s inactive again. Dalton Risner’s window was triggered after Hockenson’s, so his 21-days is not up until November 4, after Minnesota’s next game vs the Colts. Does Risner have any trade value? That could be argued, but i’d be surprised if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wouldn’t jump at the chance to move him, if given one.

More Minnesota Vikings pregame roster moves

While Hockenson and Risner were downgraded, the Minnesota Vikings elevated DL Jalen Redmond and TE Robert Tonyan to the active roster for Thursday Night Football. Redmond has seen some snaps for Brian Flores’ defense, when active (16 snaps). He will also play on the field goal block unit. Tonyan has 13 offensive snaps this season and 12 special teams snaps.

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