Hockenson ready to take on Lions

VIKINGS AT LIONS >> 7:20 SUNDAY NIGHT AT DETROIT, KARE CH. 11

Vikings’ tight end returns to Detroit, where his season ended in 2023

Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson after making a catch vs. the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 29 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. JOHN AUTEY — PIONEER PRESS

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By Dane Mizutani

dmizutani@pioneerpress.com

The matchup between the Vikings and the Lions on Sunday night at Ford Field in Detroit should, in theory, have some extra meaning for star tight and TJ Hockenson.

Not only is it a game against his former team that will determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, it will mark the first time Hockenson has played the Lions since suffering a serious injury to his right knee against them.

After catching a pass over the middle during a game last season, Hockenson absorbed a direct hit from safety Kerby Joseph. On the play, Hockenson suffered a torn anterior crucial ligament, which required surgery and forced him to miss significant time. As he prepared for the matchup between the Vikings and the Lions, however, Hockenson downplayed its significance from a personal standpoint, choosing instead to keep the focus on what it means from a team standpoint.

“Nothing like that really goes in my head,” Hockenson said. “You’ve got to let that kind of stuff go and realize it’s football.”

Though he wouldn’t bite when asked about revenge, Hockenson made it clear that he’s looking forward to playing his former team. He was still on the sideline a few months ago when the Vikings suffered a 31-29 loss to the Lions.

“I’m excited to be out there with the boys this time around,” Hockenson said. “Just to be able to make an impact that way.”

Since making his highly anticipated return to the lineup a couple of months ago, Hockenson has recorded 54 receptions for 446 yards. He’s put up those numbers while providing a security blanket for quarterback Sam Darnold, and helping take some attention of star receiver Justin Jefferson, fellow receiver Jordan Addison, and the rest of the pass catchers on the roster.

“He’s another weapon out there that we can use at any time,” Jefferson said. “We can use him in the pass game and in the run game as well. Just him being versatile like that is definitely something that is very useful for us. All of that goes hand in hand.”

As somebody who spend a good chunk of time in Detroit early in his career, Hockenson knows it’s going to be a raucous environment when the Vikings take on the Lions.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm over there,” Hockenson said. “It’s going to be loud.”