Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, a former first-round selection by the Detroit Lions, will not suit up for Week 17 when Minnesota hosts Detroit at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday.
Hockenson is sidelined due to a shoulder issue, preventing him from facing the franchise that originally drafted him.
His absence further thins a Vikings offense already missing several important pieces.
Selected eighth overall by Detroit in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hockenson spent the majority of four seasons with the Lions. During his time there, he earned two Pro Bowl selections before being traded to Minnesota midway through the 2022 campaign.
Across 47 appearances with Detroit, Hockenson totaled 186 receptions, 2,068 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. Now 28 years old, he appeared poised to complete his first full season since 2022, but that streak will fall short in 2025.
Since joining the Vikings, Hockenson has faced the Lions four times, posting a 1–3 record.
His lone win came earlier this season in a 27–24 road victory at Ford Field, where he caught two passes for 11 yards, including a first-quarter touchdown.
This year, Hockenson has recorded 51 catches for 438 yards and three scores, a noticeable drop-off from his standout 2023 season in which he nearly reached 1,000 receiving yards for Minnesota.
The Vikings will also be without their top rusher, Jordan Mason, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Center Ryan Kelly remains out with a concussion, and rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has already been ruled out.
McCarthy, a former Michigan standout, is recovering from a minor fracture in his hand.
As a result, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will make his second consecutive start under center.
With Mason unavailable, veteran running back Aaron Jones is expected to handle the majority of the rushing workload.
Minnesota is also keeping a close eye on right tackle Brian O’Neill (heel) and tight end Gavin Bartholomew (back), both of whom are listed as questionable.
Although the Vikings enter the matchup at 7–8 and no longer have postseason aspirations, the game carries significant weight for Detroit. The Lions, sitting at 8–7, must win to remain alive in the playoff race—another loss would officially eliminate them.
