Week 16 proved to be even more costly for the Minnesota Vikings than it seemed in the immediate aftermath of the game.

“We did confirm with DJ Wonnum that he did sustain a tear to his quad. He will be going on injured reserve and we’ll have that surgically repaired, hopefully, this week,” Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said via the team on December 26. “T.J. Hockenson, as well, did sustain an MCL and ACL injury. He will go on IR as well.”

O’Connell said he was “crushed” over the loss of two of their “most impactful players” and “leaders,” adding that their absences would be difficult to overcome.

Hockenson and Wonnum combined account for $70 million in total salary. But they count just $7.9 million against the cap this season, per Spotrac. That highlights just how much value they were providing for the Vikings this season.

Hockenson left the Vikings’ eventual 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions in the third quarter.

He caught a pass from Nick Mullens that gained 24 yards and a first down. But he took a direct hit to the knee from Lions safety Kerby Joseph. He jogged to the sideline, never to return in the 30-24 loss.

“I just absolutely love T.J. and love what he is to our organization. … Unfortunately for T.J., he’s you know going to be on the road to recovery, and I know he’ll attack that with all the resources we have in this building. And knowing T.J., the type of player he is, I’m absolutely looking forward to when we can get him back rolling and ready to have a great 2024 season.”

The former Lion, Hockenson, is in the first year of a four-year, $66 million contract.

He will finish the season with career-high marks of 95 receptions for 960 yards and was on track to set a new career high in receiving touchdowns, hauling in six already.