Former Iowa Hawkeyes star receives update on massive injury

Former Iowa Hawkeyes star TJ Hockenson has remained undefeated this season with the Minnesota Vikings as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered late last year.

Well, despite some optimism suggesting otherwise, Hockenson will not be making his 2024 NFL debut on Thursday night either.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that Hockenson has been ruled out for the Vikings’ Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

But there is some good news.

Pelissero added that Hockenson will be activated from injured reserve and will make his debut Nov. 3 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Hockenson first suffered his injury in Week 16 last December.

Otherwise, the 27-year-old had a spectacular season in 2023 with 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns.

Hockenson was originally selected by the Detroit Lions with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent the first three and a half seasons of his career with the Lions before being traded to the Vikings midway through the 2022 season.

He has already made a few Pro Bowl appearances, most recently in 2022 when he caught 86 passes for 914 yards and six scores.

Hockenson spent two years at Iowa, recording 24 catches for 320 yards and three touchdowns in his first season before breaking out in his second year with 49 grabs for 760 yards and six scores.

The Chariton, Ia. Native is just one star in a long line of brilliant tight end prospects to emerge from Iowa this century.