Is T.J. Hockenson playing tonight? Latest on Vikings TE's status for Fantasy Football Week 8

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is questionable to play in the team's Week 8 Thursday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams. The tight end was placed on the PUP list to begin the season but, he is inching closer to a return.

Will T.J. Hockenson play in Week 8?

T.J. Hockenson could be back in the lineup on Thursday as the Minnesota Vikings go on the road to play the Los Angeles Rams. Hockenson is listed as questionable and has been limited in practice this week.

The Athletic's Vikings analyst Alec Lewis said if the tight end plays it will be in a minimized role.

“I doubt that if TJ Hockenson plays Thursday night, in a 60 snap, 50 snap type of situation,” The Athletic’s Alec Lewis said on his show. “It will probably be a curated aspect of the game that he would be available for and that the Vikings would want to use him in."

This means that in fantasy football, you shouldn't start Hockenson just yet, even if he suits up to play.

Lewis also said if Hockenson doesn't play against the Rams, he will be a full-go against the Colts and should be getting his usual snaps. But, if he does play on Thursday, the tight end will be part of small packages as the team will slowly ease him back into the offense. So look to potentially plug him into fantasy lineups next week.

If Hockenson doesn't play on Thursday night, Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver will get the bulk of the snaps at tight end. Minnesota is a 2.5-point road favorite against the Rams on Thursday.

T.J. Hockenson injury update: What happened to Vikings TE?

T.J. Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL - Source: Imagn

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee during Minnesota's 30-24 loss Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions last season. Hockenson underwent surgery and Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters in January:

"It was a very, very unfortunate play," O'Connell said, via ESPN. "We've done a nice job [in the NFL] of helping take out some of those head and neck area hits to the defenseless players, [but] some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys. It was awful to see that happen."

Hockenson recorded 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.