NFL Rumors: Cardinals Shutting Down DeAndre Hopkins

Earlier today, ESPN's Adam Schefter relayed the unfortunate news that Cardinals' WR DeAndre Hopkins will likely miss the remainder of the regular season with a sprained knee. This apparently is a precautionary move in order to allow Hopkins the potential opportunity to return to the field for the playoffs. It is currently unknown at this point whether surgery will be required, but after an MRI on Tuesday, Hopkins was apparently seeking a second opinion according to Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury.

Cardinals’ WR DeAndre Hopkins is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a sprained knee, but the team is hopeful to get him back at some point in the postseason, leagues sources tell me and @JFowlerESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 15, 2021

The injury occurred during Monday night's loss to the LA Rams when Hopkins attempted to catch a pass in the end zone with less than two minutes remaining; two defenders fell onto his legs and Hopkins was visibly in pain. He did not return to the contest afterwards.

#DeAndreHopkins not in for @AZCardinals in final minute.
Hit back of head on turf here.
Would be terrible to end on concussion. pic.twitter.com/Ln2sLhDG2A
— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) December 14, 2021

Despite the team's success and 10-3 record, this is definitely not the season that either the Cardinals or Hopkins envisioned for himself. While it would be unlikely to repeat the spectacular first year Hopkins had with his new team in 2020, when he logged 115 catches, 1407 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, this year has become increasingly frustrating.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection has accumulated 42 receptions and 572 receiving yards, along with an impressive 8 touchdowns this season but he has been mired by nagging injuries. Hopkins' has already missed 3 games with a hamstring injury, exited another early and was noticeably uncomfortable in at least one other matchup. Durability has never been an issue for the wideout before 2021, having only missed 2 regular season games in totality over his previous 8 seasons in the league.

Losing their star play-maker is not ideal for the Cardinals as they are looking to secure their playoff spot, but the offense should remain competent and productive with enough depth at their skilled positions to keep operating efficiently. The combination of Christian Kirk, Rondale Moore and A.J. Green will most likely emerge as the Cardinals top options for QB Kyler Murray.

Cardinals WR percentage of routes run in DeAndre Hopkins' 3 missed games earlier this season:

Week 9: Christian Kirk 100%, Rondale Moore 88%, AJ Green DNP
Week 10: Kirk 80%, Green 70%, Moore 30%
Week 11: Kirk 84%, Green 66%, Moore 48%
— Jeff Ratcliffe (@JeffRatcliffe) December 15, 2021

The Cardinals are set to play the Lions this weekend and despite this setback will likely be able to secure themselves a victory.