Former Iowa Hawkeyes star TJ Hockenson has not played a down this season with the Minnesota Vikings as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered late last year.

Despite some optimism suggesting otherwise, Hockenson also won’t make his 2024 NFL debut on Thursday night.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network has reported that Hockenson has been ruled out for the Vikings Week 8 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.

But there is good news.

Pelissero added that Hockenson will be activated from injured reserve and make his debut on Nov. 3 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Hockenson initially suffered his injury in week 16 last December.

The 27-year-old otherwise enjoyed a spectacular 2023 campaign, with 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns.

Originally selected by the Detroit Lions with the eighth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, Hockenson spent the first three and a half seasons of his career with the Lions before being traded to the Vikings midway through the 2022 campaign.

He has made a few Pro Bowl appearances, most recently in 2022, when he caught 86 passes for 914 yards and six scores.

Hockenson spent two years at Iowa, recording 24 catches for 320 yards and three touchdowns during his freshman season before breaking out with 49 grabs for 760 yards and six scores in his sophomore year.

De Chariton, Ia. native is just one star in a long line of brilliant tight end prospects to emerge from Iowa this century.