The Green Bay Packers suffered numerous injuries in 2023. They noticed that their RB1, WR1, LT1, and TE1 all missed substantial time. The Packers have hired a new strength and conditioning coach to help them keep as healthy as possible heading into 2024.
In 2023, competitors in the NFC North were also afflicted by the injury bug. Notably, the Minnesota Vikings also lost Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson for extended periods of time this season. They’ve now ruled out another superstar for the 2024 season.
CBS News reports that a Green Bay Packers rival has already ruled out a superstar for the start of the 2024 season.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a surgeon in Los Angeles, treated both Hockenson and Higbee. Hockenson postponed his ACL operation until January 29 to allow his injured MCL to heal completely. That slowed his recuperation slightly, but it should improve his overall prognosis for the season. Still, the most likely possibility appears to be his 2024 debut shortly after the opener.
“When you have a guy 25 yards downfield, looking back at the ball and trying to make a play, and then you have another guy not even staring at the defender and just kind of putting his helmet down at the knee, you see what happens with that,” said Hockenson. “You can see that it does neither put the offensive player in a good position, nor does it put the defensive player in good position. His helmet is pointing straight down, at the earth. That’s hardly an effective football tackle. “That is not a good football position.”
For the time being, on the first day of scheduled offseason workouts, Hockenson focused on squats, dead lifts, and other fundamental exercises to strengthen the leg muscles around the knee.
“Daily improvement. “That’s all we’re looking for right now,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “T.J.’s going to do everything in his power in many ways to get back as fast as possible.”
How will TJ Hockeson’s absence affect the Minnesota Vikings?
The Vikings are now unsure who will start at quarterback in Week One. Sam Darnold is their current starting quarterback, but that could change during the 2024 NFL Draft if Minnesota decides to draft their future quarterback.
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison make a strong 1-2 punch at wide receiver. That does not change the fact that Hockenson had 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns before his injury. In his first full season with the Vikings, he proved to be an important part of their attack.
It’ll be interesting to watch how long Hockenson is gone and how the Vikings replace his production.
