Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is still determining whether tight end T.J. Hockenson and guard Dalton Risner will return to practice this week, despite both being eligible to come off the injured list. O’Connell hinted that they might delay activating their 21-day practice windows until after the upcoming bye week. The Vikings’ practice schedule is unique, with only one full practice in Minnesota on Wednesday before the team travels to London for a game against the New York Jets on Sunday. Afterward, the team will have a bye, giving players five to six days off, making it less than ideal to start the 21-day window during this time.
“We’re working through that right now,” O’Connell explained. “Given the unusual nature of this week and the bye week, we’ll discuss what’s best to ensure both players are positioned to maximize their practice windows.” He emphasized the importance of giving them adequate practice time before returning. “It could be this week, or it may not be,” he added.
O’Connell is more optimistic about linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., who is expected to return from a right ankle injury that has kept him out for two games. “We’re hoping to have Ivan back this week,” O’Connell said, noting that he was close to playing last week.
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