Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson believes rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy reminds him of a mix of two familiar passers.

“He is a lot like Matthew Stafford, a little like Kirk Cousins,” Hockenson told the Minnesota Star Tribune, drawing comparisons to his former Detroit Lions teammate and the Vikings’ longtime starter.

Hockenson, who missed the first seven games of the 2024 season recovering from a knee injury, admitted it took time to feel like himself again.

In 10 games, Hockenson finished with 41 catches for 455 yards and one touchdown. Now healthy, he’s expected to play a central role in Week 1, with the Vikings’ receiver group already thin.

Justin Jefferson is nursing a hamstring strain, Jordan Addison begins the year suspended, Rondale Moore is out for the season, and Jalen Nailor is sidelined with a hand injury. The team also re-signed veteran Adam Thielen on the eve of the opener.