DeAndre Hopkins was an interesting free agency add for the Tennessee Titans. The Titans signed the veteran wide receiver to boost their pass-catching corps in 2023. With only Treylon Burks as a big upside option, Hopkins will be relied on early and often.
But Hopkins came up with an ankle injury on one of the final plays of the Titans’ loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. Is this injury going to keep him out of Week 2? What is the latest on Hopkins as the Titans gear up for the Los Angeles Chargers? Let’s dig in and find out before you set up your fantasy football lineups!
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
Latest News Surrounding DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins’ ankle injury is believed to have happened on one of the last offensive plays for the Titans in Week 1. Dropping the first game of the year is tough, but having a star wide receiver get injured with seconds to go is even more heartbreaking.
Since the injury, Hopkins was unable to practice all week for the Titans. Hopkins was the top pass-catching option in Week 1, seeing 13 targets. Only Tyreek Hill and Puka Nacua had more targets in the NFL.
The news that Hopkins sat out practice again on Friday was accompanied by the official injury designation for the wide receiver: questionable. It may be a game-time decision on whether or not Hopkins will suit up on Sunday.
Will Hopkins Play This Week?
It is really tough to say whether or not Hopkins will see game action this weekend. On one hand, the veteran was unable to participate in practices the entire week for the Titans. Typically, this is the storyline that leads to a player being declared inactive for a game.
But Hopkins is also a veteran. He isn’t new to the NFL and knows how to produce on the field. Head coach Mike Vrabel may have decided the Titans were going to let Hopkins sit so he could get as healthy as possible before he suits up in Week 2. The receiver is talented enough that he can jump into a game without practicing for a week and still be an asset to his team. Just ask him.
Ultimately, we will have to monitor this situation carefully this weekend. Hopkins could be declared out prior to Sunday morning, but my guess is an official decision will not come until right before kickoff.
What Does This Mean for Hopkins’ Fantasy Ranking?
What is really unfortunate about this situation for Hopkins’ fantasy managers is that the Titans have a great matchup this week. The Chargers gave up 466 yards through the air against the Miami Dolphins.
Hopkins has a chance to have a huge impact in Week 2 if he is healthy enough to play. With a secondary that was allowing yards all over the field last week, Hopkins could easily hit the triple digits in yards in this contest.
MORE: Week 2 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
But until we know for sure about Hopkins’ injury, we need to pump the breaks on the dreams of a huge week. If Hopkins is unable to go, we will have to turn to our best options on the bench.
If Hopkins does suit up on Sunday, he is someone I would start on almost all of my teams. A receiver of his talent in a matchup like this screams fantasy success.
Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast
Did you know that Pro Football Network has a fantasy football podcast? Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.
