On the same day that we received some encouraging information on the progress that T.J. Hockenson is making in his recovery from the knee injury he sustained during the previous season, we also discovered that the Minnesota Vikings have brought in some reinforcements at the tight end position.
The Vikings are reportedly in the process of signing tight end Robert Tonyan, as reported by Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Additionally, the terms of the deal have not yet been published, and there has been no announcement regarding a corresponding roster transfer.
In the event that Tonyan is signed by the Vikings, it will signify that he has made his official debut with each and every team in the NFC North. After graduating from Indiana State University without being selected in the draft in 2017, he signed with the Detroit Lions and spent the most of that season as a member of their practice squad. After that, the Green Bay Packers signed him off of their practice squad for the final four games of that season, and he remained with the Packers until 2022. He was a member of the Packers’ practice squad. In addition, as can be seen in the picture that is shown above, he was a member of the Chicago Bears during the previous season.
The one and only season that Tonyan spent in Chicago was somewhat of a letdown, as he only managed to catch 11 passes for 122 yards, despite the fact that he participated in all 17 games for the Bears. In his more than five seasons with the Green Bay Packers, he caught 137 passes for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns, including a season in which he scored 11 touchdowns in the year 2020.
Even though Hockenson has made some progress, there is still some uncertainty around him. However, the fact that the Vikings have brought in a veteran like Tonyan demonstrates that they are still searching for reinforcements at the positional level. It is anticipated that Tonyan will have the opportunity to secure a position on the squad at Training Camp, when he will most likely compete with Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse for the third berth.
There will be an update to this story as soon as we receive information regarding a corresponding roster move that will add Tonyan to the roster.
