Ear infection behind T.J. Hockenson’s limited training camp

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson offered some answers to his absence from the contact and team parts of practice.

According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Hockenson said that he developed an ear infection early in camp that affected his equilibrium and kept him out of most parts of practice.

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T.J. Hockenson said today that he developed an ear infection early in camp that affected his equilibrium, explaining why he has not participated in the contact and team portions of practices. He said he did not know if he would participate in joint practices w/ Titans this week.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 14, 2023

Seifert later mentioned that Hockenson participated in today’s practice but that it was essentially a walk-through and did not feature pads.

The Vikings will hold joint practices with the Tennessee Titans this week, but Hockenson’s status is currently unknown for those. He may make his return for joint practices, but if past sessions are anything to take note of, then Hockenson will continue to be limited.

The Vikings acquired Hockenson from the Detroit Lions during last year’s trade deadline. Hockenson played in ten games for the Vikings, totaling 519 yards and three touchdowns on 60 receptions.

Hockenson is due to be a free agent at the end of this season, but it appears the two sides are interested in agreeing on an extension to keep Hockenson in the Twin Cities.