Vikings QB Kyler Murray has cleared concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup Sunday vs. the Buccaneers. There was some speculation heading into Week 2’s game vs. the Bears that if Carson Wentz played a strong game after leading a furious comeback in relief of Murray in Week 1 that he might keep the job, but an underwhelming showing vs. the Bears ended any chance of that.
Kyler was off to a mixed start in Week 1 prior to the concussion: his first pass was intercepted and he was just 3-for-5 with 18 yards but did have 2 rushes for 9 yards. Murray’s rushing is what has made him such an effective fantasy football QB while healthy, having 4-top 10 seasons, including a top 3 finish in 2020. Murray will hope to get back to that Pro Bowl form beginning in Week 3’s matchup vs. the Buccaneers.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is looking to ...
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson posted a solid ...
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson hasn't been the ...
Vikings QB Kyler Murray left the Week 1 contest in the first quarter after suffering a concussion vs. the Packers in his Vikings debut. Murray was quickly ruled out of the game as Carson Wentz took over and filled in admirably, throwing 3 TD’s in a victory over the Packers.
Murray now enters the NFL’s concussion protocol, a five-step, phased progression, culminating with full clearance by an independent neurologist. Hopes were high for Murray to regain his Pro Bowl form he showed in his days with the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy football managers will have to keep an eye on how Murray progresses through concussion protocol over the next week. Justin Jefferson owners shouldn’t worry, as he still put up 31.2 PPR points this week with Wentz filling in.
The answer to who will be the starting quarterback in Minnesota gets clearer by the day. With the Vikings letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency and holding off from signing Aaron Rodgers, the easy deduction is that J.J. McCarthy will be the starting quarterback in 2025.
In addition to the Vikings letting Darnold and Rodgers come and go from their view, they also didn’t pursue re-signing Daniel Jones with much aggression. This has had an impact on McCarthy’s draft stock on Underdog. Since March 9th, McCarthy has risen 7.5 spots in ADP from QB-23 to QB-22 in round 12.
McCarthy is being selected just behind the Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa and ahead of the Panthers Bryce Young. J.J. McCarthy’s 108.2 athleticism score ranked 2nd in the 2024 quarterback class and is 13th in all time rank from Player Profiler’s pool of 297 quarterbacks. Factor in being able to throw to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson as supporting weapons creates a recipe for mass success in 2025. There is plenty of meat on the bone in round 12 to continue clicking J.J. McCarthy at current cost.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Adam Schefter reports that Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will start the 2024 season on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Hockenson will miss the first 4 games to start the season. With the Vikings having a week 6 bye, fantasy gamers should expect T.J. Hockenson to come back closer to week 7.
While no specific timeframe has been set in stone for T.J. Hockenson’s return, there has been expressed optimism in the recovery of the Vikings star tight end. The Vikings are expected to throw plenty in what is shaping up to be a lost season after losing rookie first round quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
On UnderDog, Hockenson is being drafted as the TE-15 in round 12. It is sharp to select an elite tight end in the single digit rounds and layer T.J. Hockenson as a second tight end who will return for the back half of the season. Scoop the value on T.J. Hockenson in best ball while having confidence in the dynasty market to hold and buy where a depressed price is offered.
Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson is “far ahead of schedule” in terms of his recovery, but his availability for the first few games of the 2024 season is unlikely. Yesterday during an interview Vikings insider Darren Wolfson provided the most accurate timeline to date. Wolfson provided that it would be possible to see Hockenson as late as early October or early November, or returning as early as October 6th for the Vikings game in London vs the New York Jets. While he is out, Robert Tonyan and Johnny Mundt are expected to fill in his role.
Hockenson’s draft price has dropped outside of the top 10 making him a tremendous value compared to where he would certainly be coming off of career highs in catches (95) and yards (960) in 2023. Drafters are now equipped with tenative return date and can now plan accordingly when considering his selection in drafts. Hockenson is currently the TE16 on underdog. If he is able to return to previous form, he could be tremendous asset going into the fantasy playoffs as a TE2 with top 5-7 upside.
Minnesota Vikings standout tight end, TJ Hockenson, suffered a substantial setback, tearing both his ACL and MCL during the Christmas Eve game against the Lions. Despite this unfortunate end to his season, Hockenson showcased remarkable performance statistics, concluding with an impressive 95 receptions, 960 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
As the fantasy season approaches its final week for most leagues, Hockenson’s injury casts a shadow over his readiness for the upcoming year. Given the severity of the injury, a prolonged recovery period is expected, raising the possibility of Hockenson starting the next season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Look for Josh Oliver as pickup but the QB room is in question at this point. If there’s another option I’d look elsewhere.
–Tyler Kicklighter FFnewsdesk Player Profiler
