Tight end T.J. Hockenson had successful ankle surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss four to six weeks, the Detroit Lions announced. Hockenson sprained his ankle in the first half of the Lions’ preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. He left the game and didn’t return. The Lions said Hockenson had an MRI on Monday that revealed a sprain. He had surgery on Tuesday to repair the ankle. The Lions are hoping to have Hockenson back for their regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 11. However, it’s possible that he could miss the first few games of the season if his ankle doesn’t heal properly. Hockenson is a key part of the Lions’ offense. He had 67 receptions for 583 yards and six touchdowns last season. He is also a good blocker. Hockenson’s absence will be a big blow to the Lions’ offense. The Lions will likely use Jesse James and Hunter Bryant as their starting tight ends while Hockenson is out. James had 22 receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns last season. Bryant had six receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. The Lions are also hoping to get tight end Isaac Nauta back from a hamstring injury. Nauta missed most of last season with a hamstring injury. He had 25 receptions for 284 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. The Lions are hoping to have a healthy tight end group heading into the regular season. However, Hockenson’s injury is a setback. The Lions will need James, Bryant, and Nauta to step up in Hockenson’s absence..
Detroit Lions’ T.J. Hockenson has ankle surgery, out 4-6 weeks
