The Facts: OC Darrell Bevell says Hockenson (ankle) is back running and running routes but might not be quite 100 percent yet. Bevell added the second-year TE is “well on his way to being there” and that the Lions are comfortable with his progress.
Diehards Line:
Considering the position Hockenson plays and that he missed four games with injury -- something that stunted his statistics, expecting a big jump is not a huge reach. As ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein pointed out, if Hockenson's numbers -- 32 catches, 367 yards, two touchdowns -- were extrapolated over a 16-game season, his receiving yards (490) would have been top-40 among rookie tight ends all time, and his receptions would have matched George Kittle's as a rookie (43). In other words -- yeah, there's reason to believe Hockenson could have a much better Year 2.