Vikings Lose Two Key Players To Injured Reserve
The Minnesota Vikings continue to deal with injuries as they prepare for this weekend's NFC North matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins went down last time the Vikings faced the Packers, while Justin Jefferson, Cam Akers, and Jordan Hicks are just a few other names who have missed an extended period of time with injuries.
Now -- the Vikings will be without one of those key offensive weapons and a defensive starter.
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Vikings Send Hockenson To IR
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is heading to the injured reserve after suffering ACL and MCL injuries in his right knee, according to Vikings' head coach Kevin O'Connell. The injury will require surgery, per ESPN's Kevin Siefert.
Hockenson signed a massive four-year $68.5 million contract extension before the season began. Despite a shaky start, the 26-year-old recorded 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 95 receptions. Through 15 games played, Hockenson had the best catch percentage (74.8%) and most yards per game (64.0) of his career.
Josh Oliver will move into the starting tight end position, with Jonny Mundt and Nick Muse behind him on the depth chart.
Wonnum Also Lands On Injured Reserve
Unfortunately for the Vikings, the bad news didn't end with T.J. Hockenson. Kevin O'Connell also told reporters that defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum tore his quad and will also require surgery.
Wonnum has eight sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits on the season. Four of his eight sacks came in the last meeting against the Green Bay Packers, a game where he also had four QB hits. The Georgia native played a career-high 83% of defensive snaps prior to the injury.
Wonnum is in the final year of his contract and could become a free agent this offseason.
Looking Forward
It's been somewhat of a nightmare season since Kirk Cousins was carted off the field in Week Eight. The loss of Hockenson and Wonnum will just reinforce the 'next man up' mentality the Vikings have needed to use all year long.
Minnesota is still in the playoff hunt with two games remaining. They'll play this weekend on Sunday Night Football against the Packers before ending the regular season against the Lions at Ford Field.
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