Lions Get Concerning Update on TJ Hockenson

The Detroit Lions could be without their top pass-catching option during their Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Tight end T.J. Hockenson has been dealing with a knee issue that caused him to miss practice Wednesday before being a limited participant on Thursday.

After Hockenson practiced again on Friday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that the tight end has a "chance" of playing on Sunday. Since it sounds like it's far from a guarantee that the tight end will play, this news is quite concerning.

T.J. Hockenson Injury Update

Hockenson has started off the 2021 NFL season on a strong note. He ranks high among all Lions pass-catchers in most categories with his 22 receptions (2nd) on 30 targets (1st) for 215 receiving yards (1st) and two touchdowns (T-1st).

If Hockenson is out, the primary tight end duties will fall to Darren Fells. The veteran TE currently has three receptions for 37 yards this season.

Fells spent the 2017 season with the Lions, catching 17 balls for 177 receiving yards and a trio of TDs. He's far from being Top-10 at the position, but he'll be a serviceable stop-gap if Hockenson misses time.

The Lions are 9.5-underdogs against the Vikings this week, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, which means they could target Hockenson and/or Fells a lot if they fall from behind early.

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Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.