Report: T.J. Hockenson starting season on PUP list; Gabriel Murphy on IR

Minnesota will be without Hockenson and Murphy for at least the first four games.

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after making a catch against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings are leaving star tight end T.J. Hockenson on the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) to begin the season, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. This does not come as a surprise as he is still recovering from a torn ACL, but it officially confirms that he will be out for at least the first four games of the 2024 season.

Minnesota is leaving TE T.J. Hockenson on the Physically Unable to Perform List, which means he is ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season, per sources. Hockenson still is recovering from last season’s torn ACL but is expected to return this season. pic.twitter.com/yic1seDyka

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2024

In 25 career games with the Vikings, Hockenson is averaging 6.2 catches and 58.8 yards per game with eight receiving touchdowns. The 2024-25 season will be the first year of his four-year, $66 million contract.

Seventh-year veteran Johnny Mundt is expected to start at tight end while Hockenson recovers. His 46 career catches for 405 career yards are not even half of Hockenson's numbers from last season, so Josh Oliver and Nick Muse will also be involved at the position.

It was previously said that Hockenson was "ahead of schedule" in his recovery, so a return to the lineup in Week 5 when the Vikings host the Jets on Oct. 6 is not out of the picture. However, with the bye in Week 6, a return in Week 7 might make the most sense.

The Vikings are also expected to place undrafted rookie edge rusher Gabriel Murphy on injured reserve to begin the season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapaport. He will be out for at least the first four games.

The #Vikings will place promising UDFA LB Gabriel Murphy on short-term IR to begin the season, source said. The former UCLA standout flashed early in camp.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024

It looked like Murphy was well on his way to making the 53-man roster, but after suffering an an injury he has been sideline for the majority of camp and the entire preseason.