Sun Sep 14 23:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Vikings’ Hockenson Struggles in McCarthy’s Debut; Addison’s Return Looms**
**By Leo Sells | Vikings Correspondent | Tue, Sep 9th 9:38am EDT**
MINNEAPOLIS – Tight end T.J. Hockenson had a quiet night in the Minnesota Vikings’ narrow 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, hauling in just 3 of 4 targets for a meager 15 yards. The Vikings’ passing game as a whole struggled to gain traction, largely attributed to the growing pains of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his first regular-season NFL game.
Hockenson, typically a reliable target, was among those who felt the ripple effects of McCarthy’s debut. While analysts expect Hockenson to rebound and produce at a higher level in the coming weeks, a potential challenge looms on the horizon.
Wide receiver Jordan Addison is slated to return from his suspension in a few weeks, potentially impacting Hockenson’s role and target share within the Vikings’ offense. It remains to be seen how effectively the veteran tight end can secure a prominent position in the passing attack once Addison is back in the lineup.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Hockenson’s performance in the weeks leading up to Addison’s return, as the battle for targets within the Vikings’ offense intensifies.
First Piper 