EAGAN, Minn. — A couple of career highs and a major comeback highlighted the 2024 season for Vikings tight ends.

Josh Oliver equaled his receptions total (22) on the same number of targets (28) as he did in 2023, but his yardage of 258 and his three touchdowns both set new career highs.

Oliver's yards per target has increased from 6.0 with Baltimore in 2022 to 7.6 in his first season with Minnesota to 9.2 last season, showing multiple dimensions of his game. Sure, he's incredibly strong in the run game and determined to play through being on the injury report (wrist) for much of the season, but Oliver also demonstrated his ability to catch the football.

Johnny Mundt also tied his career best of 19 receptions and carded his first season with two receiving touchdowns.

Oliver and Mundt were especially relied upon while T.J. Hockenson worked his way back from a knee injury suffered in December 2023.

Oliver caught two of his three touchdowns in Minnesota's first seven games, and Mundt caught at least two passes in five of Minnesota's first six.

Hockenson completed his comeback and returned to action in Week 9 (Oliver caught five passes for 58 yards and a score that night, by the way), opening his sixth pro season with three catches for 27 yards on four targets.

The following week, Hockenson posted eight catches for 72 yards on nine targets at Jacksonville. It was one of four games (in only 10 played) in which he caught at least five passes in the regular season. He also pulled in five receptions for 64 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown, for a bright spot in Minnesota's Wild Card Round loss.

It was his first score since his injury and provided a bright spot on a dark night. Ideally it foreshadows a bit of what Hockenson will do in 2025, especially if he can be combined with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The trio of "sons" has only played 18 regular-season games together (eight in 2023 and 10 in 2024) because of injuries. They have combined to average 201.4 yards per game in those contests.

Nick Muse appeared in four games, playing 17 snaps on offense and 47 on special teams. Robert Tonyan appeared in five games, playing 15 snaps on offense and 37 on special teams. Neither was targeted in the passing game. Muse has signed with Philadelphia's practice squad.

Notable Numbers

196 and 1,934 – In just 35 games played, Hockenson already ranks fourth among Vikings tight ends all-time with 196 catches and 1,934 receiving yards. Those marks are the highest by any Viking in his first 50 games with the team.

140.8 – Oliver generated a passer rating of 140.8 by Darnold when he was targeted, which led the Vikings and ranked third in the NFL among players who were targeted at least 25 times this season. Receiver Jalen Nailor (138.3 on 28 receptions for 414 yards and six touchdowns) was the only other Viking to generate a passer rating above 126.

52 – Of the 82 receptions by Vikings tight ends, 52 resulted in a first down or touchdown.

The Highest High

Remarkably, an 11-point Vikings lead evaporated in the final 1:56 of regulation at Chicago as the Bears forced overtime.

After Minnesota's defense forced a quick punt by Chicago, its offense marched down the field for the short winning field goal thanks in part to three catches for 48 yards by Hockenson in the extra period.

Hockenson finished with 114 receiving yards, his fifth career game with 100+.

The Lowest Low

The offense picked a bad time for an off night when Minnesota visited Detroit in Week 18, and the tight ends were unable to provide a spark.

Oliver was targeted three times and caught two passes for 16 yards. Hockenson, playing against his former team for the first time since his injury occurred against the Lions, was targeted eight times, but the effort only yielded two receptions for 9 yards.

2 Pressing Questions for 2025

1. How much 12 personnel will be in store?

The Vikings used 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends and two receivers) on 24.7 percent of their offensive snaps, which ranked second behind a predominant dose of 11 personnel (one RB, one TE, three WR) on 57.2 percent of offensive plays.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Vikings averaged 6.28 yards per play when using 12 personnel, its best rate among any formation. Minnesota averaged 5.80 yards per play in 11 personnel.

2. Will Mundt return?

Hockenson and Oliver remain under contract for 2025, but Mundt is scheduled to become a free agent.

Will he return to where he's utilized his overlap at the Rams with Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips to help teach the offense to teammates.

He's capable of helping in the passing game and blocking in the running game. If Mundt is not back, will the Vikings lean on the type of player who specializes more in one aspect of the offense?