T.J.Hockenson

News: 2 days agoHockenson recorded a touchdown reception from Kyler Murray during the Vikings' final training camp practice Aug. 26, Andrew Krammer of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Spin: Hockenson played just five snaps in the Vikings' preseason opener and was rested for the final two exhibition tilts, but he's been getting in reps with the first-team offense throughout camp. After a delayed start to the 2024 campaign while he completed his recovery from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, Hockenson mostly stayed healthy in 2025 but was a middling fantasy option at tight end with a 51-438-3 receiving line on 66 targets over 15 games. Though Hockenson should benefit from upgraded quarterback play in 2026 after drawing targets from the likes of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer a season ago, the closest Murray has come to supporting two fantasy relevant pass catchers was in 2024, when tight end Trey McBride (111-1,146-2 line in 16 games) and wideout Marvin Harrison (62-885-8 in 17 games) both had some utility. Justin Jefferson is locked in as the clear top weapon in the passing game and should dominate the targets, but Hockenson could struggle to see consistent volume while he's vying with the likes of No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison and No. 3 receiver Jauan Jennings for the remaining looks that don't go to Jefferson.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: It's been a rough go for Hockenson since he peaked with a 95-960-5 receiving line in 2023. He tore an ACL in Week 16 that season and was limited to a 41-455-0 receiving line upon his return in 10 games in 2024. A bounce-back was expected in 2025, but Hockenson handled a weak 16% target share (his lowest since he was a rookie in 2019) and couldn't overcome the team's QB woes en route to a 51-438-3 showing. Hockenson has now followed four straight top-seven fantasy PPG seasons with finishes of 17th and 26th. The 29-year-old could very well get back on track in 2026, but he'll need solid play from Kyler Murray. Hockenson is a fringe TE1.