Injury updates on Vikings' TJ Hockenson and Jordan Addison

If Sam Darnold wants to be successful, he'll need a variety of weapons. Justin Jefferson is healthy, but the Vikings' next two top receivers – tight end TJ Hockenson and wide receiver Jordan Addison – are recovering from injuries.

Hockenson tore his ACL and meniscus in his right knee nearly eight months ago and remains on the physically unable to perform list. Addison sprained his left ankle during a practice with the Browns last week. How long will they be out?

According to KSTP's Darren Wolfson, Hockenson “seemed a little hesitant at times” when he saw him practice on the side fields at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, but he is optimistic that Addison will be ready for the Sept. 8 opener against New York.

“He's seemed a little hesitant at times, a little more hesitant than he was a week or two ago,” Wolfson said of Hockenson during a guest appearance on SKOR North on Monday. “I think the bottom line on Hockenson after the break is late October, early November. It's still going to be a little bit on TJ Hockenson, so you want Jordan Addison back as soon as possible. But we're dealing with a pretty bad ankle sprain that's going to set him back at least another week or two.”

The Vikings have not released a schedule for Hockenson, so it's all speculation. However, the Week 6 offseason is a possibility, which could allow Hockenson to return for the Oct. 20 matchup with his former team, the Detroit Lions, in Minneapolis.

“I find [Addison will] “I'll be back to training on Wednesday of Giants week,” Wolfson added, “but I don't know if my ankle will be 100% by then. With this type of ankle injury, it takes several weeks to really recover.”

The Vikings have not disclosed what type of ankle injury Addison has, but Wolfson said those who believe he suffered a severe ankle sprain are on the right track.

With Hockenson still out and Robert Tonyan not practicing due to back spasms, the Vikings could well start the regular season with Johnny Mundt, Josh Oliver and Nick Muse as their three best available tight ends.

If Addison is not ready for the opener, the receivers behind Jefferson could be Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, Trishton Jackson and Trent Sherfield.

Darnold will get his best weapons eventually, but for the first month or more of the season, that may not be ideal.