The Detroit Lions' 2021 season has been brutal, and it just took another hit with the loss of star tight end T.J. Hockenson to left thumb surgery. Hockenson went under the knife on Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery for the Lions' offseason program, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Hockenson finishes his season with 61 catches for 583 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. The Lions tight end was on track to beat last season's marks for receptions, receiving yards and receiving scores, but he recently suffered this thumb injury and won't get the chance to add to his numbers. Hockenson made the Pro Bowl in 2020 in just his second season in the NFL.
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While Hockenson has been a bright spot in Detroit and for fantasy football managers (this injury is really unfortunate on that front), there's not a whole lot else to celebrate for this franchise. The Lions are just 1-11-1 this season after getting blown out by the Denver Broncos in Week 14 action. Even with Hockenson performing well, Detroit ranks just 30th in scoring and 27th in passing offense.
The Lions are by far the worst team in the NFC, but the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are close in the race for the No. 1 pick with identical 2-11 records. Detroit needs a lot more talent to help out guys like Hockenson when it comes to turning this team around. A high draft pick will help that, but there's much more work to be done.
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