Should I start T.J. Hockenson? Week 9 fantasy projection for Vikings TE

Over the past few weeks, we have come *this* close to seeing T.J. Hockenson make his comeback, but the Minnesota Vikings appear to be playing it safe. However, it seems he will finally suit up for the first time this year.

Hockenson was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, meaning we will see him on the field in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts if all goes to plan.

That said, the question is, should you start Hockenson this week if he is on your roster?

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Should I start T.J. Hockenson?

T.J. Hockenson is only nine months removed from an ACL surgery. Let's start with that. It's fair to wonder if he can shake off the rust.

The Vikings will have no problem running up the score against the Colts under the bright lights of primetime football, and there have been no signs that Hockenson will be on a snap count on Sunday night. Still, placing your faith in a tight end who has missed so much time is difficult.

“When you're going through an injury like that you really find out who's on your side and the Vikings were there every single step of the way you know from the beginning,” Hockenson told Sports Illustrated.

We will likely see T.J. Hockenson return to the form that saw him catch 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games last year, before Detroit safety Kerby Joseph's tackle left him sidelined for a year.

We are unsure if Week 9's Sunday Night Football matchup is the week Hockenson returns to business.

One thing that could fall in T.J. Hockenson's favor is that tight ends have not been quiet against this Colts's defense. In Week 9, Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith caught all seven of his targets for 96 yards and a score. In Week 5, Jaguars TE Brenton Strange caught all four of his targets and registered a touchdown.

There is some potential here for Hockenson to deliver the goods, especially given the volatility around the TE position in fantasy football. But don't bank on the Vikings TE winning you a matchup this week.