T.J. Hockenson injury update, October 11

The Lions are optimistic tight end T.J. Hockenson (concussion) will be able to play on Monday Night Football when Detroit travels to face the Green Bay Packers. He practiced on Thursday, and as the team returns to practice on Friday, head coach Matt Patricia said Hockenson is able to do everything in practice, according to beat writer Dave Birkett.

The concussion protocol requires re-checks to make sure the player is not having any symptoms. He’ll practice Friday and Saturday, and if he has no symptoms on Saturday, he’ll be cleared for Monday. Symptoms can pop up whenever, so even if he is asymptomatic on Saturday, it will be worth keeping an eye out for any possible changes to his health on Sunday or Monday.

T.J. Hockenson injury update, October 10

The Lions were back at practice on Thursday, and T.J. Hockenson was a full go, according to beat writer Tim Twentyman. He was placed in the concussion protocol back in Week 4, and is working his way through the concussion protocol. The protocol requires a player be asymptomatic at rest and then after exertion. Once that happens, the player can be cleared for football activities. We likely will have to wait until Friday at least to know for sure if Hockenson has been cleared through the protocol.

The Detroit Lions are back from their Week 5 bye, and they are hoping for some good news on the injury front. Rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson returned to practice on Wednesday, but remains in the concussion protocol as the team prepares for their Week 6 Monday Night Football contest against the Green Bay Packers, according to Lions reporter Justin Rogers.

Hockenson suffered the concussion when he tried to leap a defender in Week 4. It was a scary landing and he was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. To clear the concussion protocol, he has to be asymptomatic at rest and after exertion.

Fantasy football analysis, Lions TE T.J. Hockenson

Hockenson had a monster debut for the Lions, catching six passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He was quiet in Weeks 2 and 3, catching a combined two passes for eight yards. He was bouncing back in Week 4 with three receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown before he got knocked out of the game.

The Packers have fared well against tight ends, giving up the seventh fewest points to the position. Last week, they held Jason Witten to three receptions for 29 yards. The previous week, Zach Ertz had seven receptions for 65 yards.

Odds are decent that if Hockenson practices this week, he’ll be listed as questionable and a game-time decision. Given the uncertain nature of concussions and the Lions playing on Monday, you’ll likely want to find another option for this week until we know Hockenson is good to go.