Vikings evaluate T.J. Hockenson for a concussion early at New Orleans

Minnesota tight end T.J. Hockenson is being evaluated for a concussion Sunday against the Saints, and the Vikings say his return is questionable. The team announced the evaluation on its official account in the first quarter.

What happened

Hockenson hit his head on the Superdome turf on the Vikings' second offensive play, according to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. He went into the medical tent, came out and walked to the locker room a short time later.

That sequence matters. A player who leaves the tent for the locker room is usually getting a fuller exam, and a concussion evaluation means he has to be cleared under the NFL's protocol before he can come back in this game.

Confirmed so far

The Vikings have confirmed only two things: Hockenson is being checked for a concussion, and he is questionable to return. The team has not said he has a concussion, and there is no word yet on his status beyond Sunday.

Why it hits harder this week

Minnesota came into this game already thin at receiver. Jordan Addison (hamstring) and Odell Beckham Jr. are inactive, so Hockenson was set to be one of the main targets behind Justin Jefferson. If he can't return, expect even more of the passing game to run through Jefferson for the rest of the afternoon.

What RSO owners should do now

If Hockenson is in your lineup, there is nothing to do for today. The 1 PM games have already kicked off, so his points are locked to whatever he produces from here.

If you roster him, start thinking about next week now. A diagnosed concussion would put him in the protocol, and players in the protocol often miss practice time and sometimes a game. Check your waiver wire and your bench for a tight end you could start in Week 6, and do it before your league's next claim period.

Jefferson owners should expect a heavy target share the rest of this game.

What to watch next

Watch for a second update from the Vikings during the game on whether Hockenson is ruled out or cleared. After the game, listen for whether coaches say he entered the concussion protocol, and check Minnesota's first practice report of the week for his participation.