It’s been almost a year since TJ Hockenson last played a game for the Vikings. After rupturing two of the ligaments on his right knee against the Lions last season. The Vikings TE made a surprise appearance on the sidelines, watching his team take on the Lions in week 7. Although it was against them he suffered such a brutal knee injury, Hockenson may finally get to wear those cleats on Sunday.

With NFL reporter Tom Pelissero offering an update, it seems Hockenson is off the injury report. And could finally make his much-awaited season debut against the Colts on Sunday. This would surely be an emotional moment for TJ, who had to go through a long recovery and rehabilitation process. Opening up on his journey back to the football field, Hockenson said, “Every time you go through something like this or step back from the game of football. It really brings out a new perspective of the game and of where you are at as a player.”

Not allowing this setback to take a toll on him, TJ instead spoke about being in a better place right now, “I obviously just took a step back and realized the situation. And the organization I’m in and kind of drew from it that I couldn’t be in a better place.” But finding himself back on the gridiron isn’t the only thing the Vikings TE is looking forward to on his season debut. With the Vikings set to host the Colts in Minnesota, Hockenson cannot wait to hear the SKOL Chants within the stadium, “It’s one of those things once the SKOL Chants go and I’m around the crowd actually playing. It’s going to mean a lot to me to be back on the football field and be back out there with the boys.”

And his comeback couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Vikings are currently on a two-game losing streak. They need Hockenson’s ability to give them an edge in taking on the Colts in prime time. Without him, the Vikings used a different game plan, which is surely going to change as he returns to full fitness.

TJ Hockenson’s return: Vikings set to get a major boost at offense

Missing their 95 reception star from the offense, the Vikings have mostly targeted their play towards WR Justin Jefferson and RB Aaron Jones. After 8 weeks of NFL action, the Vikings are averaging the league’s fewest pass attempts per game (27.1). They also have the lowest rate of plays per game compared to any franchise this season (56.7). Well, this has also brought them the NFL’s 10th-best average drive start at 30.4-yard line. And those numbers don’t lie, as the Vikings were unbeaten for their first five games this season.

The Vikings are also choosing their plays meticulously this season, as QB Sam Darnold holds the football for an average of 3.1 seconds before throwing the right pass. When Hockenson was playing for the Vikings before his unfortunate injury, they used to target him 8.56 times per game. And those numbers eclipsed any other TE during that period, leaving only the Chiefs TE Travis Kelce at top.

Even offensive coordinator Wes Phillips spoke highly of Hockerson’s ability amid his return to the field, “It’s the production that he brings and the mismatch that he can create against the safeties and linebackers. His ability to win versus match or man coverage. All those things are pretty unique for a tight end that also gives you value in the run game like he does. I think he’s a complete tight end.” 

As Hockenson is set to make his comeback on Sunday. Will he help the Vikings get back into the winning column against an Indy side that just dropped their QB for a 39-year-old veteran? Guess we will find that on prime time Sunday as the Vikings lock horns with the Colts in week 9.