Aaron Jones, TJ Hockenson injury updates: Latest on availability vs. Lions

This weekend, the Minnesota Vikings will face one of their most difficult tests yet against the Detroit Lions. On Friday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provided injury updates for Vikings running back Aaron Jones and tight end TJ Hockenson.

“Aaron Jones of the Vikings, dealing with a hamstring, was limited in practice all week,” Fowler said. “I’m hearing there is some optimism from the Vikings because he has progressed well. They want to see how he feels throughout the weekend, though, so could shape up to be more of a game-time decision.

“They also have tight end TJ Hockenson, their star pass-catcher. He’s likely to be out this week, although he’s listed as questionable. More likely a target for Week 8 or 9, coming off a serious knee injury.”

Jones hasn’t missed a game yet this season despite battling a hip injury since the Vikings’ Week 5 win over the New York Jets. Now, the veteran RB is suffering from an injury to his right hamstring and wasn’t a full participant at practice this week.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has refused to provide a concrete answer on Jones’ status for Sunday. However, it’s safe to assume the team will have Jones on the field if he’s able to play.

The former Pro Bowler boasts a team-high 350 rushing yards and a touchdown on 71 carries this season. Jones hasn’t only been a rushing threat. He’s also hauled in 17 catches for 167 yards and a score. If Jones is unavailable on Sunday, the Vikings will be forced to rely more heavily on backup RB Ty Chandler.

The latest on TJ Hockenson

Unlike Jones, Hockenson is unlikely to play on Sunday, per Fowler. The standout TE is still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee — an injury he suffered against the Lions this past December.

The Vikings opened Hockenson’s practice window on Oct. 2. However, due to the league’s rules, the Vikings aren’t required to place Hockenson on their active roster until after Week 8.

“He’s done a great job,” O’Connell said of Hockenson’s rehabilitation. “He feels great, but we’ve got to get him acclimated back to football.”

With or without their two offensive standouts, the Vikings will square off against the Lions at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. The game will air live on FOX.