Josh Oliver

Vikings TE Josh Oliver (wrist, ankle) is out for Sunday s game vs. the Bears. As crazy as it sounds, that might mean a bigger role for TE T.J. Hockenson. Oliver has run a pass route on about 50% of Vikings pass plays in both of the last two weeks, while Hockenson has been at 71% and then 57%.

Oliver doesn't have standalone fantasy value, but he was splitting reps with T.J. Hockenson, who just returned from the torn ACL he suffered late in the 2023 season. Oliver's absence may force the Vikings to deploy Hockenson in a full-time role, giving him TE1 upside for Week 12.

Simply put, Hockenson was a non-factor and there were times you would be forgiven for not knowing he was out on the field. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Josh Oliver was able to gain 34 receiving yards on his three targets. There is no indication that this is anything other than a poor week, but it certainly was a poor week for a tight end who was looking like he was getting back on the TE1 radar in fantasy.

Hockenson played about half of the team's offensive snaps through three quarters but gave way to Josh Oliver for most of the final frame, with the latter catching a touchdown with just over two minutes left to play. Hockenson should continue to see his snap rate increase as he works his way back into game shape following a torn ACL suffered late in 2023.