Sources: Vikes' Hockenson to start on PUP list

The Minnesota Vikings are leaving tight end T.J. Hockenson on the physically unable to perform list, which means he is ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

Hockenson is still recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee, but he is expected to return this season -- his third with the Vikings. He also suffered a torn MCL when he was injured Dec. 24, and his medical team delayed the ACL repair surgery for 36 days to allow the MCL to heal.

The 27-year-old Hockenson caught 95 passes for 960 yards and 5 touchdowns last season, as the Vikings led the NFL in tight end targets last season (179). In six NFL seasons, Hockenson has caught 341 passes for 3,547 yards and has 23 touchdowns in 72 games.

He signed a four-year contract extension last August that will pay him at least $66 million and up to $68.5 million.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert contributed to this report.