Training camp is finally here for the Minnesota Vikings and 38 players have already reported to TCO Performance Center in Eagan, MN.
Among those players are tight end T.J. Hockenson. It's common for injured players to report early to camp so they can receive treatment. There were some questions on what his status would be going into training camp. Head coach Kevin O'Connell made it clear during his press conference on Monday afternoon.
“T.J. will begin training camp on the PUP list," said O'Connell. "He’s well ahead of schedule from a standpoint of some of the benchmarks on his rehab. T.J., looking back at the offseason program, did not miss really a day outside going to see his surgeon in Los Angeles. He was here every single day and that continued through the summer. The significant injury that it was, we want to make sure to follow our plan to when T.J. gets on the field and continues to do more and more throughout training camp, and hopefully at some point when he’s ready to go we want to make sure everything is done the right way for T.J., because he’s such a significant part of our organization.”
This isn't a completely unexpected move. Hockenson tore his ACL on Christmas Eve last season against the Detroit Lions. He didn't have surgery right away due to swelling in his knee and had it on January 26th.
Being placed on the PUP list means that Hockenson can be available at any time once he passes a physical. However, the Vikings will be more likely keep Hockenson on the PUP list to start the season. ACL injuries usually take nine months post-surgery to return, which would put his return around Halloween.
When will Hockenson return? That will be a major storyline during the next few weeks.
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