BenjaminYurosek

Oct 12

The Vikings tight end suffered a concussion early in the game and didn’t return.

Minnesota started this season similar to other recent years, with a two-man tight end rotation with Hockenson as the primary receiving option and Josh Oliver as the main blocker. Oliver landed on injured reserve two weeks ago, leading to Gavin Bartholomew being the second tight end last week. Hockenson received a boost in snaps, making him a borderline fantasy starter. Ben Yurosek returned to practice from injured reserve on Wednesday and was activated Saturday, giving Minnesota three tight ends. It was good fortune for Minnesota that it had Yurosek, because the Vikings needed both tight ends this week. Hockenson played only two snaps. This left Batholomew playing in Hockenson’s usual role, and Yurosek occupying Oliver’s usual role. Bartholomew had a decent game, catching five passes for 33 yards. This would usually make Bartholomew a waiver-wire target in deeper leagues, but Minnesota has its bye week next week. That gives Hockenson two weeks to recover, giving him a good chance of returning as the team's lead receiving tight end for Week 7.

Alec Lewis·Aug 10

This position feels a bit overlooked. Hockenson has had a quiet camp, and Oliver’s role tends to keep him under the radar. That said, both players need to stay healthy to allow the Vikings offense to dictate personnel matchups to defenses the way they envisioned. Hockenson and Oliver have missed games due to injuries in recent years, which places more emphasis on their backups. Last year, Yurosek performed admirably. @Gavin Bartholomew ’s pass-catching talent may give him more upside, but even if he establishes himself as worthy of the No. 3 role, the Vikings will be betting big on alternatives in the event of an injury.