Did T.J. Hockenson Have a Set Back While Rehabbing his Knee Injury?

Minnesota Vikings’ tight end T.J. Hockenson hasn’t practiced or been in a game since late last season when he suffered a torn ACL and MCL against the Detroit Lions. With the delayed surgery, a timeframe for return has been all over the place. However, as we’ve gotten closer to the start of the season, the timeline for his return is becoming more clear… Or is it?

T.J Hockenson looked “hesitant at times” this past week rehabbing his knee

Recently, Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell was happy with where Hockenson was at in his rehab. He even hinted at him being ahead of schedule. However, according to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) via Skor North, Hockenson seemed more “hesitant at times” compared to a week or two ago while on the side field.

#Vikings TE TJ Hockenson "Looked a little hesitant at times, a little bit moreso than a week or two ago" says @DWolfsonKSTP on @SKORNorth this morning.

He adds that it could be after the bye week before we see him, but nothing is definite yet.

📸 @Vikings pic.twitter.com/sZDiOUquLa

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 20, 2024

“Watching Hockenson off to the side on Monday looked a little hesitant at times, a little bit more so than a week or two ago. I think bottom line on Hockenson after the bye, does that mean like late October, early November, but it’s still going to be a bit on T.J. Hockenson.”

Darren Wolfson (KSTP) via Skor North

It’s unclear as to exactly what “hesitant at time” means, but one can glean from the statement that he may not be trusting his knee in certain spots or positions. Not only that, but Wolfson seems quite adamant that Hockenson won’t return until after the week six bye week.

Related: Jordan Addison Dealing With Significant Ankle Sprain

Is that a week seven return against the Detroit Lions or will his return be delayed until early November in week’s nine or ten? It’s not certain as of now, but Hockenson looking “hesitant” compared to a week or two ago is slightly concerning.

Did something happen to T.J. Hockenson while rehabbing in training camp?

Nothing, as of now, has been confirmed whether or not Hockenson did have a set back in his rehab. Sometimes, at this point, players are nearly full healthy physically it’s more of the mental side of things and trusting that your injury is 100%

Looks like @Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson is recovery well 😤
pic.twitter.com/SGcrhAfzgR

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 8, 2024

In the end, Hockenson will be back this season. It may not be before the bye week, but he should return at some point in the front half of the 2024 NFL season. Let’s hope he didn’t have any set backs and that this is all part of his recovery and rehab process.