Tennessee Titans standout receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ status for Week 1 is up in the air.
But if Hopkins *DOES* play, he’ll be doing so while nursing a problematic knee injury.
Hopkins told reporter Paul Kuharsky that he is trying to play through an MCL injury () that he suffered back in July. And while the injury tends to have a year-long recovery process, Hopkins is holding out hope that he can play on Sun🀅day 🌼against the Chicago Bears.
“Right now, the way I feel, hopefully I can get out there on Sunday and perform,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins, 32, is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro. In his first year with the Titans, DeAndre Hopkins collected 75 catches, racked up 1,057 receiving yards, and hauled in seven touchdown passes. It was an impressive 17-game run for D-Hop in Tennesee, especially when you consider that he was coming off a pair of seasons with the Arizona Cardinals in which he had seasons shortened by a PED suspension and .
Playing on an MCL 👍inj😼ury in 2024 would be an impressive feat, but it comes with a bit of risk.
DeAndre Hopkins status update will come later today
On the one hand, I admire DeAndre Hopkins for wanting to be available and play in Week 1 despite a serious MCL injury. Football players playing through pain is nothing new. And yet, I gain a new level of respect whenever I read about someone gutting it out when it would’ve been a safer and smarter plan to take a seat on the sidelines. But on the other hand, playing through a serious knee injury in Week 1 … on the road … against a tough defense … with a banging secondary … on the infamous playing surface of Soldier Field is equal parts dangerous and foolish.
I truly hope Hopkins can make it through the game without a hassle, all while being shutdown by whichever co🍨rnerbacks Chicago throws his way.
Will DeAndre Hopkins be ready for Sunday? Friday’s injury report will be enlightening to say the least. Stay tuned.
