Vikings tight T.J. Hockenson leaves game vs. Saints with apparent head injury, Jefferson returns

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson left Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints for evaluation of a concussion. The incident occurred after his head appeared to hit the Superdome turf hard while he protected the football with both arms during the end of a 7-yard catch; he stayed down briefly, received treatment, and then walked to the sideline. Meanwhile, receiver Justin Jefferson returned to the lineup in his hometown and the same stadium where he won a national title at LSU. Jefferson had missed the Vikings’ Week 4 win over Miami after injuring his ankle, but had produced 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns in the first three games. Saints linebacker Jaylan Ford and cornerback Lorenzo Styles, both returning from injured reserve, also made 2026 regular-season debuts.