Is T.J. Hockenson playing tonight vs. LA Rams? Exploring Vikings TE's status for wild-card showdown

Tight end T.J. Hockenson was targeted on eight occasions in the regular season finale against the Detroit Lions, which was only second to wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who had nine targets. It was also only the second time this season the tight end has been targeted eight times.

The Los Angeles Rams secondary will try everything to tactically keep Jefferson and wideout Jordan Addison at bay when they face off in the final wild-card round game tonight. Hockenson will be hoping the situation plays out well for him to get more targets in Minnesota's offense.

Hockenson didn’t play when the Vikings lost to the Rams in the regular season. Let's find out below if he will be available in the playoffs on Monday night.

Exploring T.J. Hockenson's availability status for wild-card game

T.J. Hockenson was not listed on the Minnesota Vikings' injury report for their upcoming clash with the Los Angeles Rams, so he's expected to play at State Farm Stadium tonight.

Hockenson tore two ligaments in his knee after being struck by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph late in the 2023 season. A month later, he had surgery to repair his ACL and started a long road to recovery.

The tight end missed the first eight weeks of the 2024 season, but after a lengthy recuperation, he was eventually fit to rejoin his teammates in Week 9. He has played 10 games since his comeback, averaging 45.5 yards per game and accumulating 455 yards on 41 receptions.

Since his return, Hockenson has been a reliable option in Minnesota's attack, drawing at least five targets in his last seven games. The Vikings offense, which lacked a reliable tight end receiving threat while he was away, benefited from his return as well.

Although T.J. Hockenson did not play against the Rams in Week 8, the Vikings will greatly benefit from his presence today as he is expected to play a key role in exploiting the middle of the field, where the Rams have shown weakness this season.

While Hockenson will play in the first round of the playoffs, running back Cam Akers was listed as questionable on Minnesota's final injury report after reportedly feeling sick on Saturday. Additionally, outside linebacker Patrick Jones II will not be available for the wild-card outing due to a knee injury.