TJH to return to practice!

[RS_Express]

I'd rather wait for the Rams, but KOC may have to strap Hock to a gurney to keep him out for Detroit. I'm sure he wants those guys bad.

[badgervike]

[purplefaithful]

T.J. Hockenson returns to Vikings practice in ‘phenomenal physical shape’


WATFORD, England — T.J. Hockenson got his first practice work of the season on Friday after the Vikings opened his 21-day window to practice before his possible return from injured reserve. Hockenson, who tore the ACL in his right knee on Dec. 24, was limited in his first practice back. He was declared out for Sunday’s game against the Jets, but could play his first game later this month.

“He looked great,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “He got some reps here and there, just working through being back out there. A lot of the guys excited to see him. He looks like he’s in phenomenal physical shape, which is to be expected, after what’s been a long period of time where he’s just focused on one day at a time.”

At the beginning of his rehab, Hockenson said Thursday, he’d told the Vikings’ athletic training staff, “I’m going to do everything times two of what you’re going to tell me to do. You’re going to have to put the reins on me and pull me back.”

With time to focus purely on his physical shape before he could practice, the tight end “has gotten a lot stronger,” O’Connell said. “He’s running really well. So it’s going to be an exciting time here over these next few days to keep getting him work, and when we can get him back out there, it will be a huge lift to our offense.”

Hockenson was the only player with an injury designation for Sunday’s game; the Vikings will get linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. back from the ankle injury that’s kept him out the past two weeks. As they’ve done in recent weeks, the Vikings gave veteran defensive backs Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore a rest day during their full practice in London. The team will hold a walk-through on Saturday before Sunday’s game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.


Source: Startribune

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T.J. Hockenson returns to Vikings practice in ‘phenomenal physical shape’


WATFORD, England — T.J. Hockenson got his first practice work of the season on Friday after the Vikings opened his 21-day window to practice before his possible return from injured reserve. Hockenson, who tore the ACL in his right knee on Dec. 24, was limited in his first practice back. He was declared out for Sunday’s game against the Jets, but could play his first game later this month.

“He looked great,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “He got some reps here and there, just working through being back out there. A lot of the guys excited to see him. He looks like he’s in phenomenal physical shape, which is to be expected, after what’s been a long period of time where he’s just focused on one day at a time.”

At the beginning of his rehab, Hockenson said Thursday, he’d told the Vikings’ athletic training staff, “I’m going to do everything times two of what you’re going to tell me to do. You’re going to have to put the reins on me and pull me back.”

With time to focus purely on his physical shape before he could practice, the tight end “has gotten a lot stronger,” O’Connell said. “He’s running really well. So it’s going to be an exciting time here over these next few days to keep getting him work, and when we can get him back out there, it will be a huge lift to our offense.”

Hockenson was the only player with an injury designation for Sunday’s game; the Vikings will get linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. back from the ankle injury that’s kept him out the past two weeks. As they’ve done in recent weeks, the Vikings gave veteran defensive backs Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore a rest day during their full practice in London. The team will hold a walk-through on Saturday before Sunday’s game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.


Source: Startribune

Fingers crossed!

[StickierBuns]

It'll be great to see HOC a part of the gameplan again in a few weeks. His arms look bigger, he must have hit the weights in rehab as well:

from r/minnesotavikings

[MaroonBells]

Curious why the Vikings would even bring TJ to London if he's not playing. It it a team culture thing? I can't think of another reason.

[purplefaithful]

Curious why the Vikings would even bring TJ to London if he's not playing. It it a team culture thing? I can't think of another reason.

I would guess culture and he wanted to go and experience it with his team.

Poor JJM is probably on a scooter still and I doubt will be making the trip. That would suck for him.

[Mattyman]

None of the tendencies on film from the last 2 years are gonna be relevant.

TJ can stress opposing defenses in ways Oliver and Mundt don't

The improvement in this offense over the next few weeks will be obvious, they're gonna start blowing teams out.

IMO TJ is gonna set that off

[MaroonBells]

None of the tendencies on film from the last 2 years are gonna be relevant. 

TJ can stress opposing defenses in ways Oliver and Mundt don't

The improvement in this offense over the next few weeks  will be obvious, they're gonna start blowing teams out.

IMO TJ is gonna set that off

Start? The Vikings have already blown out some pretty good teams. Blew out the Giants, who are actually better than people think. Vikings were fixin' to go up on the 49ers 27-7, when Jones fumbled on the half yard line. Blew out the Texans 34-7. 

But I agree that Hock adds a dimension to this offense it doesn't currently have. The TEs we currently have just run their routes, but Hockenson really knows how to get open.

[StickierBuns]

None of the tendencies on film from the last 2 years are gonna be relevant. 

TJ can stress opposing defenses in ways Oliver and Mundt don't

The improvement in this offense over the next few weeks  will be obvious, they're gonna start blowing teams out.

IMO TJ is gonna set that off

Vikings have had the best point differential in the NFL all year long.

[StickierBuns]

Rumor is TJ won't play Sunday but will play against the Rams.