As feared, the tight end’s knee injury suffered against the Detroit Lions is more serious. An MRI on Monday brought certainty

T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings suffered a serious injury on Christmas Eve in the loss to the Detroit Lions. He tore his ACL and medial collateral ligament.

The tight end caught a ball and was then tackled at knee height on a full run by Lions safety Kerby Johnson. Hockenson limped off the field and headed to the locker room a short time later.

“ESPN” reporter Jeremy Fowler, citing sources close to the franchise, had already reported that the results of initial examinations by the Vikings’ medical staff were “not good”.

An MRI has now brought bitter clarity, as NFL insider Ian Rapoprt reports.

The Vikings will be hit hard by the long-term absence, as the 26-year-old had 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns.