Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph was responsible for the hit on Christmas Eve that led to a torn ACL for Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson during the 2023 campaign.
But the veteran tight end doesn't have any ill will toward Joseph. He also hinted that he blames the NFL for rules that incentivize defenders hitting low.
"I would've much rather gone down with a concussion for two weeks than have to deal with this for nine months," Hockenson said on Monday, per Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated.
Hockenson said he doesn't have anything against Joseph, but blames the league and its rules for incentivizing defensive players to hit low.
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) April 15, 2024
Hockenson added that he didn't think his former teammate intended to injure him, either.
"I know Kerby pretty well. I've played with him. I don't necessarily think it was [intended to injure]. You go back on the tape and you see what happened" Hockenson said, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "I don't think it was [intentional]. I just want to make sure it wasn't and that's why I'm using my voice here. Players protect players. That's in any facet of the league. You don't want a defensive guy head-hunting or knee- hunting, and the same thing for an offensive guy."
Joseph got himself in more hot water during the playoffs, when he also injured Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, who suffered the same injury as Hockenson.
At the time, Lions head coach Dan Campbell came to his player's defense, saying that Joseph's hit was not intended to injure.
“That’s how we play football here,” Campbell said after the hit on Higbee. “Just keep your head up, see what you hit. That’ll always be what I tell Kerby. Just keep your eyes up so you don’t hit on the crown of your helmet, hit a spine, mess yourself up there. Just see what you hit. But, no, he’s going for the thigh board and staying away from the head. That’s how we play defense here. It’s not dirty. You know, we hit.”
As far as Hockenson is concerned, he was positive about his rehab but wouldn't put a timeline on his return.
