Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that Hockenson missed practice due to lower-back stiffness, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Hockenson has recovered from the ear infection that hampered him in mid-August, but the lower-back issue could sideline him for Saturday's preseason finale against the Cardinals. The starting tight end still has well over two weeks to recover before Minnesota's Sept. 10 regular-season opener against Tampa Bay, but he may have to shake off some rust if he indeed fails to log a preseason appearance.