WR K.J. Osborn (concussion protocol) practiced again today, meaning he participated in at least a portion of every on-field activity this week. Regardless of his game status for Sunday, it has been great to see him up and about so quickly after such a scary moment in ATL.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Trishton Jackson, T.J. Hockenson

Osborn has been a quiet contributor this season, but still not quite enough to get him into fantasy rosters. For mid-summer best ball drafters, he has popped up for two single-touchdown games and a fantastic 8-99-0 stat line on 10 targets back in Week 8. His return would help solidify a floor for Joshua Dobbs.

T.J Hockenson is definitely still affected by his rib/oblique injury but says he is pretty sure he’ll play Sunday. “That’s the plan,” he said.

Related Players: Johnny Mundt, Josh Oliver

Mundt and Oliver have combined for 15 receptions this year, though Oliver would be the more likely option to take over pass-catching duties if Hockenson misses. Regardless, he shouldn't be in fantasy consideration for typical redraft leagues.

Vikings’ WR Justin Jefferson — who has missed the past four games due to a hamstring injury — said he can’t yet put a date on when he might return. He said he wants to be 100 percent before he returns, but also still calls himself day to day.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Trishton Jackson, Brandon Powell

Getting Jefferson back in the lineup ahead of the fantasy playoffs would be incredible for managers who have had him idling in their IR spot. Regardless of quarterback, JJ will have to be in fantasy lineups on a Vikings team that is still eligible for a playoff berth in real football.

The practice window for Vikings star WR Justin Jefferson is being opened this week, sources say, as he now has 21 days to be activated. This does not mean he’ll play this week. But he’s on his way back from the hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Trishton Jackson, Brandon Powell

Getting Jefferson back in the lineup ahead of the fantasy playoffs would be incredible for managers who have had him idling in their IR spot. Regardless of quarterback, JJ will have to be in fantasy lineups on a Vikings team that is still eligible for a playoff berth in real football.

Vikings officially have placed WR Justin Jefferson on IR.

Related players: Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor, T.J. Hockenson, Alexander Mattison

The prevailing thought is that Jefferson may have a hard time finding the field again in 2023, particularly if the Vikings show no interest in trading him, which is a distinct possibility. It'll be hard to drop him, so hopefully you have an IR spot in your league.

The #Vikings are placing their superstar WR Justin Jefferson on injured reserve.

Related players: Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor, T.J. Hockenson, Alexander Mattison

The exact timetable is to be determined and depends on how he responds to treatment, according to Pelissero, but he's going to miss at least the next four games. It's a huge loss for the Vikings who have struggled to start the season, and it's a huge loss for fantasy owners who likely drafted Jefferson first overall this summer. Pelissero mentioned the Vikings will now lean on players like Addison, Osborn and Hockenson in the passing game, and Mattison could be more involved as well out of the backfield.

The Vikings and T.J. Hockenson agreed to terms on a contract extension that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends. Hockenson hasn’t participated in training camp while dealing with some ailments and awaiting a new deal. Now he’ll be back in drills and have time to ramp up for Week 1 against the Buccaneers.

Many have surmised that Hockenson's physical setbacks this summer probably had more to do with the contract extension than his back. Now back with the team, there is no reason to be concerned about a possible holdout, as fantasy drafters should continue to view him as a top-five option.

T.J. Hockenson missed the majority of camp drills during the previous three weeks because of an ear infection that he said affected his equilibrium. That condition has resolved itself, coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday, but Hockenson "very recently" reported his back symptoms to the Vikings' medical staff. O'Connell classified Hockenson's absence as "day-to-day," and did not rule out a return to the field as early as Thursday's joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals, but such a quick return seems unlikely.

Related Players: Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt

The article goes on to mention that these ailments could have something to do with the fact that Hockenson is still on his rookie deal and there has been "little progress in talks". If that's the case, we shouldn't push the TE any further down draft boards than he is currently going, as the threat of an actual holdout seems unlikely. If he's back on the field during joint practices on Thursday, this will ultimately feel like an overreaction.

T.J. Hockenson has not been doing any team work since the start of camp and he said last week that his equilibrium has been off because of an ear infection. Hockenson said the condition was improving and he said on Monday that he’s still “taking it day by day” and wants to be out there as a full participant.

The story said there has been speculation that Hockenson’s contract might also factor into his workload. Hockenson is in the final year of his rookie deal but he said he wasn't concerned about a future deal. Hockenson is our third-ranked TE.

Trade! The Lions are sending TE T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Related players: Brock Wright, Rashod Berry, James Mitchell, Irv Smith

Minnesota sends a 2023 second-round pick and 2024 third-round pick to Detroit for Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick and a 2024 conditional fourth-round pick. Smith is expected to miss 8-10 weeks with an ankle injury, so Hockenson slides right in as the Vikings TE1. Wright should now become the Lions TE1. Hockenson will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.