EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings plan to open tight end T.J. Hockenson's 21-day practice window this Friday, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday.

Hockenson opened the season on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list as he was recovering from a torn ACL he suffered on Dec. 24 against the Lions. Veteran guard Dalton Risner is eligible to have his window opened this week, but that is not likely to happen, O'Connell said.

The Vikings are scheduled to fly to the United Kingdom after Thursday's practice, so Hockenson's first day of action will be an international affair.

"Want to get his window opened up and get him going here," O'Connell said. "And then, more than likely, we're going to hold off on Dalton, and I'll circle back with you guys until after the bye."

The timing is interesting, given Minnesota (4-0) is scheduled to face the New York Jets (2-2) at 2:30 p.m. in London/8:30 a.m. (CT) Sunday before having its Week 6 bye.

O'Connell was asked about the selection of Friday, and O'Connell explained Minnesota wanted to open the window with having a game against Detroit on Oct. 20 in Week 7 and at the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 24 in Week 8.

"Friday gives us 21 days, and 21 days from then gives us the bye weekend, two football games with us playing on Thursday, the second week after the bye," O'Connell said. "So that gives us some flexibility at 20 days to have him either ready to go, see where he's at and his availability for the Lions game, and then, like I said, we have the flexibility for the following [week].

"He's done a great job. He feels great, but we've got to get him acclimated back to football, so that's kind of the plan," O'Connell added. "I probably won't be giving many daily updates on the 'when,' as far as his game-day activation, but it's just going to be great to have him back on the grass with the guys. I know he's been really looking forward to it."

The Vikings rostered Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse on their initial 53-man roster. Muse is recovering from a hand injury in Week 2 that led to his placement on short-term Injured Reserve. The Vikings have elevated Robert Tonyan from their practice squad the past two weeks.

Hockenson has been working on a side field, running routes against air for several weeks.

Minnesota will be to able evaluate how Hockenson responds to full practices during the 21-day window without him counting against the maximum of 53 rostered players. He can be activated at any point during the window, but only with a corresponding roster reduction. At the end of the window, he must be activated or placed on season-ending Injured Reserve.

Check out the Vikings 2024 Schedule.