T.J. Hockenson‘s season is over. The Lions tight end underwent thumb surgery on Thursday morning that will rule him out for the remainder of 2021 (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). He’ll be placed on injured reserve this week and focus on his recovery for 2022. 
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Hockenson isn’t a stranger to IR, having lost a chunk of his rookie season to an ankle injury. That year, he finished out with 32 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns. Then, last year, Hockenson tallied 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns across a full 16-game slate. This year, even as the Lions have slumped, the Pro Bowler has amassed a solid 61/583/4 line in 12 games.
“It’ll be fine,” Hockenson said last week, before today’s news broke (via the Detroit Free Press). “No worries here.”
Hockenson was Jared Goff‘s favorite target throughout the year. Now, the Lions’ offense will have to look elsewhere for support in the passing game. Life without Hockenson starts this Sunday against the Cardinals.
Lions need A LOT of help. No QB in this draft is really worth taking in the first round. Lions should build up the roster.
Take Thibodeaux at # 1, grab a # 1 receiver with their 2nd 1st round pick. Id take Jameson Williams. Id take a chance on Drake London if he falls out of the 1st with their 2nd round pick coming off the injury then fill out the roster.
Hockenson, Williams, London, plus a full year of Josh Reynolds and another year of growth from Brown would make a much improved receiving core.
I’m not a Pitt fan but since I live here, have seen a lot of them. And as such, I disagree. While I wouldn’t have said it a year ago, I do believe Kenny Pickett is going to be a good NFL QB
The Lions are likely taking Hutchinson at #1, then possibly someone like QB Sam Howell with their later first round pick. I don’t believe Williams or London will still be on the board when they make their second round-1 pick.
Agreed. I do think they take a WR with their 2nd though. The Lions better make this a good draft or the next 5 seasons are lost
I agree. They take Hutchinson number 1 get a QB w/the second 1st round pick, WR with the number 2 pick. It’s a big draft for Detroit
This dude is always hurt.
He’s played 40/49 possible games. Not great but not terrible
Save him for next year when hopefully someone will throw him the ball. When he played he was great.
The ONLY bright spot on that team.
D’Andre Swift begs your pardon
NOOO HOCKENSON OUT FOR THE SEASON MY FANTASY TEAM
What are your other options at TE?
With their top offensive threat done for the year the Lions can close up shop! Oh wait! they did in September!
The shop has been closed for like 50 years lol