Detroit Lions rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson appears to be available to play on Sunday after going through the concussion protocol during the bye week. If he does play, the Lions will rely on him to beat the Green Bay Packers.

Why?

For firsts, the Packers defense is excellent at stopping the passing game, especially tight ends. The new-look secondary has allowed just 181 yards and one touchdown to tight ends in 2019. In their lone loss — to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 — they allowed nine receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown to Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert.

If the Lions can feed Hockenson, the Packers defense should struggle. Particularly in the short left side of the field. According to Sharp Football Stats, Green Bay is allowing a 98 passer rating on defense when quarterbacks throw in the short left side. Coincidentally, Hockenson thrives in the same area, accumulating a 105 passer rating when targeted to the short left.

Feeding Hockenson the ball to the short left side of the field should be a matchup the Lions look for all day. If they want to throw deep to him, the right side is where to do it. Per Sharp Football Stats, Matthew Stafford has a 131 passer rating when targeting Hockenson on the deep right-side; the Packers allow an 80 passer rating in the same area.

A monster performance may show up in the stat sheet. But, for Hockenson, it doesn't have to. As one of the league's better run-blocking tight ends (already), the Lions will depend on the rookie to help the run.

Luckily, the Packers are a struggling run defense. They are 27th in the NFL in rush yards allowed (606) and 31st in touchdowns (six). The Lions should take advantage of that. Look for them to rush to the left side, where the Packers are struggling. If Hockenson can seal the edge for back Kerryon Johnson, the Lions may be able to win on the ground.

In all, Hockenson will need to have a monster performance against Green Bay in order to create ideal matchups in different areas of the field and help the run game go against a reeling run defense. Luckily, he has all the tools to do so; frankly, he should be able to get both done easily.