Hockenson, Risner Meet Same Fate in Flurry of Minnesota Vikings Roster Moves

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TJ Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Image of practice of Sam Hall and T.J. Hockenson on Sept. 29, 2024 at TCOPC in Eagan, MN.Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are less than 24 hours away from kickoff vs the Detroit Lions. Entering the weekend, there were still a bevy of question marks facing the final 53-man roster for game day.

Aaron Jones, TJ Hockenson and Dalton Risner were all questionable entering the weekend. And while neither Hock or Risner are mandated to come off the PUP list today, both guys made it clear earlier in the week that they thought it was possible.

Minnesota Vikings rule TJ Hockenson, Dalton Risner both OUT

But it didn’t happen. On Saturday afternoon, both Risner and Hockenson were ruled OUT for Sunday’s noon contest vs the Lions. Robert Tonyan has been signed to the roster, to add tight end depth vs TJ’s old team.

Related: Friday Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out vs Lions?

Meanwhile, Jones went from ‘oh god, how long is he going to be out’ just a few days ago, to a guy who is all set to be active and in the starting lineup tomorrow. And all of this coming off of a bye week. In other moves, the Vikings waived wide receiver Trishton Jackson and elevated two players off the practice squad.

Jalen Redmond, Bo Richter called up off the practice squad vs the Detroit Lions

One of those practice squad call-ups is DL Jalen Redmond, who was waived and then signed back to the practice squad earlier this week. EDGE Bo Richter, who has been a regular practice squad elevation over the first five games, will also be active.

TJ Hockenson’s new status for Sunday is not a surprise. Local and national insiders have both had him all but ruled out this entire week. Again, this all points to injury report gamesmanship, which the NFL is trying to get rid of.

Lots of things to watch after today’s roster moves

Clearly, the Minnesota Vikings knew that TJ Hockenson wasn’t going to play vs the Lions. Somebody was feeding that information to every insider who hit the pager button. Yet, he was listed all week as “limited” in practice and then hit the final Friday injury report as “Questionable”.

Related: Former Minnesota Vikings EDGE Welcomes Revenge Factor NFC North Trade Rumors

What’s also worth monitoring is the situation with Dalton Risner. Earlier this week, the 29-year-old former Bronco made it very clear that he was 100% healthy and ready to go. Not only that, but he stated multiple times while interviewing with media that he’s been ready to go.

It almost sounded like he was trying to secretly report a hostage situation. Yet, when today’s status report dropped… Risner was listed as OUT. Why?

That’s something we will have to wait to get the answer on, but if Dalton Risner isn’t injured anymore then why isn’t he being activated. There’s no doubt he has to be unhappy with today’s roster announcement. And don’t forget… the trade deadline is just a few weeks away.

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