The Minnesota Vikings’ standout tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a torn ACL and MLC in Sunday’s 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions and will be out for the remainder of the season. The news was announced by Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, during a press conference on Tuesday.
O’Connell also confirmed that linebacker pass rusher D.J. Wonnum is dealing with a torn quad and will miss the rest of the 2023 campaign.
“Two guys that will be difficult to overcome their loss, but we’re gonna have to have guys step up, and hopefully still have those guys involved and around or team, because they are, like I said, leaders, and very, very important to our locker room,” O’Connell said.
Hockenson suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Lions game after being tackled following a catch. Wonnum went down in the fourth quarter of the same game during a pass rush attempt.
The news is a big blow for the Vikings and their hopes of making the playoffs. Hockenson has been the key player on offense for Minnesota, recording 95 receptions for a team-best 960 yards and five touchdowns. Wonnum, on the other hand, had 62 tackles, 8.0 sacks, six pass deflections, and 15 QB hits.
The Vikings are currently 7-8 and play the Green Bay Packers and the Lions in their final two games of the season.
