Tight end T.J. Hockenson continued to be limited in practice Wednesday, but coach Kevin O'Connell said this time he's dealing with lower back stiffness that he reported to the team. Hockenson is recovered from the ear infection that had limited him since Aug. 3.
O'Connell was asked whether Hockenson's absences — which include sitting out contact drills like fully padded 11-on-11 work — are health- or contract-related. The former first-round pick is entering a contract year.
"Some of his side field work kind of popped up to cause some lower back stiffness," O'Connell said. "But he has not indicated to me one time that it is about [his contract].