Will T.J. Hockenson play today? Vikings TE's status revealed for Week 7 Lions clash

The Minnesota Vikings haven't felt T.J. Hockenson's absence, but that doesn't mean that they couldn't use his insane talent as they return from the bye week. On Sunday, the Vikings will play the Detroit Lions, who are Super Bowl contenders and are looking to steal the first place in the NFC North.

The tight end started the year on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list. He suffered a gruesome knee injury against the same Lions, who drafted him in 2019, late in the 2023 season. He was allowed to return to the active roster after six weeks, but the Vikings still won't be able to use him against his old team in this crucial game.

Will T.J. Hockenson play today against the Lions?

The tight end is confirmed to miss the Week 7 clash and the team will give him one more week to prepare and be ready. The team officially downgraded him to OUT on Saturday, along with guard Dalton Risner.

In the first weeks of the season, Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver have shared their snaps and targets in Hockenson's role. However, none of them is as good as the starter, and combined, they have just 112 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Those are not good enough numbers in five games.

Last season, before his injury, T.J. Hockenson amassed 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. He's one of the best tight ends in the league and, had he not been injured, would've reached the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career.

T.J. Hockenson's fantasy outlook for Week 7

For obvious reasons, you won't start him this week, but the potential to solve your tight end position as he gradually returns to playing is massive. As one of the best in the position, he'll slot right into Sam Darnold's plans as soon as he's back to form.

If he's still available in your league, grab him and hold him tightly for one week. This is a player who will not face bye weeks in 2024, since Minnesota already had a rest in Week 6. The 0 points he'll score this week will translate into long-term success for your season.