Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson suffers season-ending injury

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Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson’s season has ended after tearing both his ACL and MCL during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed this on Tuesday.

“Very, very unfortunate play. Some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys. Awful to see that happen. T.J., I can’t say enough just looking back, he’s been a constant throughout the whole season. Absolutely love T.J., love what he is to our organization,” O’Connell said Tuesday.

Hockenson got injured in the third quarter of Sunday’s game at U.S. Bank Stadium. He was tackled directly on his right knee after catching a pass in the middle of the field. He immediately stood up but was in pain, grabbing his knee before leaving the field.

He stayed out and the Vikings declared him unable to play shortly after. Hockenson ended the game with four catches for 58 yards in the defeat.

Hockenson was in the middle of his best NFL season. Previously drafted by the Lions and then traded to Minnesota last season, he had standout numbers, amassing 960 yards at an average of 64 yards per game. He also made 95 receptions, scored five touchdowns and was a major focus of the team’s offense, being targeted 127 times.

The 26-year-old Hockenson signed a four-year, $68.5 million extension with the Vikings in August, making him the highest-paid tight end in the league. It is presently still uncertain if he will recover in time for the beginning of next season.

Another Vikings key player ends season early

Apart from Hockenson, defensive end D.J. Wonnum’s season also had to end early due to a torn quad against the Lions in the fourth quarter. The injury was severe, as Wonnum had to be transported off the field on the injury cart. Wonnum played in every game this season, starting in all 15, and achieved 62 tackles with eight sacks.

Vikings rookie WR Jordan Addison also got hurt in the second quarter when a teammate accidentally hit his ankle while the Lions were returning QB Nick Mullens’ interception. Addison exited the game after making one catch for two yards on four targets.

Addison recorded 63 catches for 826 yards and nine touchdowns this season. O’Connell said his status is day-to-day.