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 (h/t Pro Football Talk) 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 Sunday 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 an earlier MCL injury.
Playing on an MCL injury 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 cornerbacks Chicago throws his way.
Will DeAndre Hopkins be ready for Sunday? Friday’s injury report will be enlightening to say the least. Stay tuned.