According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are leaving star tight end TJ Hockenson on the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) to begin the season. This is no surprise, as he is still recovering from a torn ACL, but it officially confirms that he will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season.
Minnesota is keeping TE TJ Hockenson on the physically unable to perform list, which sources say means he will be ineligible for the first four games of the season. Hockenson is still recovering from his torn ACL from last season, but is expected to return this season. pic.twitter.com/yic1seDyka
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) 27 August 2024
In 25 career games with the Vikings, Hockenson averaged 6.2 catches and 58.8 yards per game with eight touchdowns. The 2024-25 season will be the first year of his four-year, $66 million contract.
Seventh-year veteran Johnny Mundt is expected to start at tight end while Hockenson recovers. His 46 career catches for 405 career yards are less than half of Hockenson’s numbers from last season, so Josh Oliver and Nick Muse will also play that position.
Hockenson was previously said to be “ahead of schedule” in his recovery, so a return to the lineup in Week 5, when the Vikings host the Jets on Oct. 6, is not out of the question. With the Vikings having a bye in Week 6, a return in Week 7 might make the most sense.
According to Ian Rapaport of the NFL Network, the Vikings are also expected to place undrafted rookie edge rusher Gabriel Murphy on the injured list to begin the season. He will miss at least the first four games.
The #Vikings will place promising UDFA LB Gabriel Murphy on the short-term injured list to begin the season, a source said. The former UCLA star showed his strengths early in training camp.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 27 August 2024
Murphy looked to be on track to make the 53-man roster, but after suffering an injury, he sat out most of training camp and the entire preseason.
