Because of the delays in TJ Hockenson undergoing surgery, which were beyond his and the Vikings’ control, there’s a belief that he might not be prepared to return to playing until October, aligning with the typical nine-month recovery period for such an injury.
However, unless Hockenson can excel in his rehabilitation and surpass the usual recovery timeline based on historical injury data, there’s potential for an earlier return. A recent social media post, albeit not from a medical professional, suggests that the two-time Pro Bowl tight end is actively pursuing this goal.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1773048854943801604
Witnessing Hockenson excel in his rehabilitation is remarkable. His considerable confidence in his surgically-repaired knee, less than two months post-surgery, is impressive. However, it’s crucial to recognize the disparity between simply bending a knee, even with weight on it, and the multifaceted demands placed on a knee during football activities such as absorbing hits, changing direction, cutting, and juking.
The Minnesota Vikings’ season will commence regardless of Hockenson’s status. Nonetheless, it’s heartening to observe Hockenson’s positive progress.
The memory of his previous performance, which left Vikings fans disappointed and pondering his return in purple, lingers. Yet, based on this brief footage, it appears that Hockenson is making significant strides in his recovery journey.
Even if Hockenson is unable to return in time, the Vikings have ample tight end depth with Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse still on the roster. It wouldn’t be unexpected if Kwesi opts to add another late-round or undrafted prospect to the tight end room to bolster numbers during training camp.
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