The Minnesota Vikings’ signing of tight end Robert Tonyan on May 16 marks their second acquisition at the position this week, indicating that Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson could miss significant time in the upcoming regular season due to knee surgery recovery.
With Tonyan and Sammie Reyes, who was signed on May 13, the Vikings now have seven tight ends heading into training camp. Last year, the team initially carried four tight ends on the 53-man roster, a figure that includes Hockenson, whether he is ready for Week 1 or not.
Hockenson will occupy a spot on the initial 53-man roster but could potentially be placed on the injured reserve (IR) or physically unable to perform (PUP) lists, requiring him to miss at least the first four games of the season. Last season, he played a crucial role in the Vikings’ offense, recording 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns after signing a four-year, $68.5 million extension.
Reyes, an athletic talent who came out of retirement to join the Vikings, was unlikely to challenge Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, or Nick Muse for a roster spot, but Tonyan’s signing changes that dynamic.
The former Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears tight end has had a productive career since going undrafted in 2017 and has built chemistry with running back Aaron Jones, whom the Vikings signed in March.
Tonyan could make a compelling case for a roster spot, while undrafted rookie Trey Knox is a candidate for the practice squad in his first professional year.
Earlier this month, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported that Hockenson is ahead of schedule in his rehab after tearing his ACL and MCL in late December. However, the Vikings are cautious about rushing him back.
The Vikings’ recent roster moves this week are a testament to their preparedness if Hockenson is sidelined during the regular season.
Landing Tonyan at this point in the offseason is a solid move for the Vikings as they aim to stabilize their offense with a new quarterback under center.
Undrafted in 2017, Tonyan became one of Aaron Rodgers’ preferred targets in Green Bay, leading all tight ends with 11 touchdowns during the 2020 season. Despite a downturn in productivity last season with the Chicago Bears, Tonyan’s situation in Minnesota offers him a chance to bounce back in 2024.
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