
Hockenson catches 13 as Vikings beat Dolphins 15-10
Will Reichard kicked five field goals, Dallas Turner logged two sacks, and Minnesota used the final 5:41 to protect its 4-0 start.
By NFL Recap Desk / 3 sources / Published October 4, 2026
T.J. Hockenson caught every pass sent his way Sunday, then stopped at the Miami 2-yard line to finish the job. His 13th reception converted third-and-5 as the clock reached the two-minute warning, allowing Minnesota to kneel out a 15-10 victory over the Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The NFL's official clip shows Hockenson choosing to stay in bounds short of the goal line. Miami had already used its timeouts, so preserving possession secured the result.
Minnesota improved to 4-0 without scoring a touchdown. Miami fell to 0-4. Will Reichard supplied all 15 Vikings points, making field goals from 47, 50, 33, 41 and 29 yards. The last came with 6:41 remaining after a 15-play possession that consumed 8:30 and extended Minnesota's lead from 12-10.
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Hockenson carries the passing game
With Justin Jefferson unavailable, Hockenson finished with 119 yards on 13 targets. Kyler Murray completed 27 of 37 passes for 247 yards without a touchdown or interception. Hockenson accounted for nearly half his passing yardage, while Jordan Addison added four receptions for 52 yards.
The tight end's work continued on the final drive. Addison gained 27 yards, and Hockenson added a 22-yard reception before catching the eight-yard pass that put Minnesota into victory formation. The league also posted this Hockenson catch through contact.
Aaron Jones Sr. gave Minnesota 94 rushing yards on 20 carries and another 34 yards on four catches. The Vikings ran 72 offensive plays to Miami's 37 and held the ball for 39:11. They finished with 336 total yards, but four sacks and repeated stalled possessions left Reichard responsible for the scoring.
Turner limits Miami's chances
Dallas Turner recorded both Minnesota sacks and forced a Malik Willis fumble. The Vikings' official game observations describe the turnover being awarded after Minnesota successfully challenged an initial incompletion ruling. This team clip shows Turner getting to Willis earlier in the game.
Willis finished 9-of-17 for 85 passing yards. Miami produced eight first downs, converted two of nine third downs and gained 198 total yards. Myles Price helped Minnesota's field position with a 36-yard punt return before its first field goal.
Ollie Gordon II supplied Miami's strongest offensive response. He ran for 100 yards on nine carries, including a 12-yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the third quarter that cut the deficit to 12-10. NBC Sports reported that he was making his first start in place of injured De'Von Achane. Miami then had only one more offensive possession, ending in a punt after Harrison Smith broke up a third-down pass.
Minnesota's next personnel checks concern its offensive line. Left guard Donovan Jackson exited with a knee injury. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw left with a neck injury, returned, then departed for a concussion evaluation, according to the team. Those departures put Joe Huber and Ryan Van Demark into the lineup during a game Minnesota closed with the ball for the final 5:41.
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