Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) is tended to by trainers after being injured on a play during their NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Ford Field in Detroit, on Sunday, September 29, 2019. The Chiefs won the game, 34-30. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)
T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings has been playing through pain due to a rib/oblique injury. Despite his injury, Hockenson has yet to miss a game.
When asked if he plans to play against the New Orleans Saints this week, Hockenson responded, “That’s the plan,” according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
Kirk Cousins is out for the season with a torn achilles, Justin Jefferson is working his way back from a hamstring injury, and K.J. Osborn suffered a frightening concussion last week.
Despite the injuries, the Vikings have won four straight games. They won their first game without Cousins thanks to late-game heroics from former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs. He was only in Minnesota for a week, but he came in at the last minute for Jaren Hall and helped the Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-28.
The offense can now concentrate on Hockenson and rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison. While playing through an injury, Hockenson led the team in receiving last week against the Falcons, with seven receptions for 69 yards. He has 60 receptions for 547 yards and three touchdowns this season. He currently leads all tight ends in targets, receptions, and yards, trailing only Travis Kelce.
Aside from Hockenson, Addison has improved his receiving game. In October, he was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month, and he has 41 receptions for 534 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
