The Minnesota Vikings will be without tight end T.J. Hockenson for their Week 10 game against the Green Bay Packers. Hockenson did not practice during the week and was ruled out on Friday with wrist and chest injuries. Linebacker Blake Cashman was also ruled out.
With Hockenson unavailable, the Vikings are expected to rely on second-year tight ends Ben Yurosek and Gavin Bartholomew. Yurosek, an undrafted free agent, has handled much of the workload since Josh Oliver suffered a season-ending torn biceps in Week 3. Oliver’s injury affected the Vikings’ use of two-tight-end sets, which had featured regularly in their offensive plans.
Bartholomew, a sixth-round pick, has also seen playing time in recent weeks and could take on a larger role against Green Bay. His more receiver-oriented skill set may help fill the gap left by Hockenson, while Yurosek is more focused on blocking. Neither young tight end has recorded more than 100 receiving yards this season.
