Vikings’ $70 Million Duo Kevin O’Connell ‘Crushed’ By Injury Update…

Week 16 proved to be even more costly for the Minnesota Vikings than it seemed in the immediate aftermath of the game.

DJ Wonnum confirmed to us that he had indeed suffered a tear to his quadriceps. He will be placed on injured reserve, and hopefully this week, we’ll have that surgically fixed,” Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announced on December 26 through the team. T.J. Hockenson also suffered an injury to his MCL and ACL. He will also be placed on IR.

The loss of two of their “most impactful players” and “leaders,” according to O’Connell, has left him “crushed,” and he added that it will be challenging to fill their void.

Hockenson and Wonnum combined account for $70 million in total salary. But they count just $7.9 million against the cap this season, per Spotrac. That highlights just how much value they were providing for the Vikings this season.

Hockenson left the Vikings’ eventual 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions in the third quarter.

He caught a pass from Nick Mullens that gained 24 yards and a first down. But he took a direct hit to the knee from Lions safety Kerby Joseph. He jogged to the sideline, never to return in the 30-24 loss.

“T.J., I can’t say enough,” O’Connell said.

“I simply adore T.J. and everything he brings to our company. Regretfully, T.J. is going to need time to heal, and I have no doubt that he will use every resource in this building to get well. Furthermore, given T.J.’s character as a player, I eagerly anticipate the day when we can get him back on track and prepared for an outstanding 2024 campaign.

The former Lion, Hockenson, is in the first year of a four-year, $66 million contract.

With six receptions for 960 yards, he will end the season with career-high marks. He is also on pace to set a new career high in receiving touchdowns.

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DJ Wonnum a ‘True Impact Player’ for Vikings

Wonnum went down in the fourth quarter of the game. He immediately grabbed his knee, eventually making his way to the cart and back to the locker room amid an outpouring of support from both sides.

Wonnum’s adaptability was commended by O’Connell, who also remembered the moments when he was able to play alongside Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter. He did point out that those chances were constrained by injuries.

“In my opinion, DJ Wonnum has been one of our real impact players this season. He has made several crucial plays that have allowed us to win a lot of football games and maintain our level of competitiveness,” O’Connell remarked. “DJ has been one of those guys, and his impact and growth have been invaluable to our team.”

Wonnum was chosen by Minnesota in the 2020 draft’s fourth round. With 8.0 sacks this season, the fourth-year player was on track to tie his own record that he set in 2021.

In addition, he has one touchdown, one fumble recovery, and six passes deflected.

Wonnum, who is in the last year of his $4 million rookie contract, is expected to be among the best edge defenders available in the upcoming offseason.

O’Connell also provided updates on a number of other significant players.