The cause for concern regarding DeAndre Hopkins just significantly increased. The Tennessee Titans wide receiver indicated that, as first reported by Paul Kuharsky, he has been dealing with a torn MCL since the end of July.
“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.”
However, the 32-year-old hopes he can suit up for the Titans’ regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
“Right now the way I feel, hopefully I can get out there Sunday and perform,” he said.
Hopkins’ workload remains unknown at this time, but the Titans are likely to be cautious with the wide receiver. He suffered an MCL tear at the end of the 2021 season when he was with the Arizona Cardinals, forcing him to miss the final six games.
The former Clemson standout did not participate in any of Tennessee’s three preseason games, but the Titans believed that Hopkins would be ready in time for the start of the season.
Now, the Titans just have to hope he can give it and go and not further injure it. However, Tennessee is well-positioned should Hopkins miss an extended period of time.
In addition to offseason additions Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, Treylon Burks looked strong in camp, as did rookie wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson. Then, there is also Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who has become a pretty reliable for the Titans and always seems to perform well in placed of injured wide receivers.
Hopkins is in the final year of his two-year contract, and this injury, paired with his age, could play a factor in whether the Titans offer him a contract extension.
