NFL Rumors: Titans’ DeAndre Hopkins to Play vs. Bears Despite Torn MCL Knee Injury
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will play Sunday at the Chicago Bears despite suffering a torn left MCL last July, although his workload is uncertain at this time.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provided the details.
Jeremy Fowler @JFowlerESPN
#Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (questionable, knee) is set to play Sunday at Chicago, per source, though how much he plays is uncertain and could come down to pain management.
Hopkins revealed to reporters this week that he’s fighting through an MCL tear.
Hopkins spoke with reporters on the matter earlier this week, per NFL insider Paul Kuharsky.
“I had the MCL tear maybe four and a half, five weeks ago so the thing about those is it takes a whole year for them to heal,” Hopkins said. “Obviously it’s pain at that point.”
He also added: “Right now the way I feel, hopefully I can get out there Sunday and perform.”
It appears that’s how things are tracking right now, and that’s a good sign for the Titans, who could certainly use the five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. The ex-Clemson star amassed 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns last year.
Hopkins has been listed as a limited participant in practice, and his official status is questionable.
ESPN’s Turron Davenport at least offered a glimpse at a welcome sight during Friday practice, with Hopkins participating without a sleeve on his left leg.
TURRON DAVENPORT @TDavenport_NFL
Here’s a long look at #Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins during team stretch on Friday. Notice no sleeve on his left leg. pic.twitter.com/9rBxDgQsVL
Obviously, there is question about how much Hopkins will be able to do, and there’s also concern about the injury’s lingering effects as he tries to traverse a 17-game season.
But the good news is that he looks good to go for Week 1, albeit on a potentially limited basis.
Attention could therefore turn more toward Calvin Ridley to help carry the pass offense. Ridley joined the team this offseason on a four-year, $92 million contract and would be the Titans’ unquestioned WR1.
Slot receiver Tyler Boyd, Treylon Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could also see more looks, and the same goes for tight end Chig Okonkwo.
Ultimately, this could be a tough test for the Titans, who are playing a Bears team that has talented defenders such as cornerback Jaylon Johnson, edge rusher Montez Sweat and linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. We’ll see how it all turns out soon when Chicago welcomes Tennessee on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.