Detroit Lions injury update: T.J. Hockenson expected to play vs. Washington

The Detroit Lions will be without their No. 1 receiving target on Sunday with Kenny Golladay already declared out, but it appears the team will have their secondary target available. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson is expected to play against the Washington Football Team despite being labeled as questionable with a toe injury.

Hockenson missed Thursday’s practice with the injury, but returned on Friday in a limited capacity. He has played in all eight games thus far after missing the final four games of 2019 with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.

This season, Hockenson has established himself as one of the better tight ends in the league. He currently ranks sixth in receiving yards (360) and is tied for third in receiving touchdowns (5). He’s also currently eighth in PFF grade.

Head coach Matt Patricia said this week how impressed he was of Hockenson’s toughness.

“He pushes through a lot of stuff,” Patricia said. “Tight end in the NFL is not an easy position. You’re blocking, you’re catching, you’re in a lot of different positions.”

So it looks like Hockenson will push through this toe injury on Sunday. That’s good news for the Lions, as Washington gave up five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown against Evan Engram last week.