Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson sits out most of practice with lower back stiffness

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.

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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.