Tight end T.J. Hockenson is poised to make his season debut Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts as the Minnesota Vikings seek to end a two-game skid.
The playmaking tight end's return -- confirmed Friday by his absence on the injury report -- provides Sam Darnold a weapon that can win in the mid-level of the defense, offering an outlet when the quarterback gets pressured.
"Just watching it last year and talking to him, it's his ability to separate versus man [coverage] and find the open spots in zones," Darnold said Wednesday of Hockenson, via the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I think he's just really smart and savvy in the way he can get open that way. I'm just really looking forward to it."
With all the attention paid to Justin Jefferson, the Vikings can benefit from Hockenson's ability to win one-on-one matchups with safeties and linebackers. Through seven games, Vikings tight ends Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver have combined for 165 yards and three touchdowns on 21 catches.
"It's kind of a feel thing [against zone]," Hockenson said. "You can weave in and out within the concept. Winning man to man, we have Jets (Jefferson), so … they can't double everybody. It leaves me one-on-one with a backer, a nickel, a safety. That's fun for me. I enjoy that."
In 15 games in 2023, Hockenson put up a career-high 960 yards and 95 catches with five touchdowns before suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 17.
The Vikings have been patient with the tight end's recovery, ensuring they didn't rush him back on the field. However, with a pivotal Sunday night bout ahead, his return can help keep the offense on schedule when the big plays dry up.
"I think there's been times when Sam's been pretty elite throwing the ball down the field, and that's why we've been explosive," coach Kevin O'Connell said. "But there's also been times when [because of] his trust level … he takes a hitch or two extra trying to see if he can let things develop.
"We can do a better job helping him by how we design things. It might be a play where we're attacking down the field, but where are the checkdowns? … Where are the five eligibles in regard to where his line of sight is?"
Hockenson has proven he can be an elite checkdown option. His presence alone makes the Vikings an even more dangerous offense.