Posted on Sep 07
Titans' DeAndre Hopkins cleared to play in season opener against Bears
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DeAndre Hopkins is set to play in the season opener for the Tennessee Titans despite his recent injury.
Why it matters: Hopkins' return provides a significant boost to the Titans' offense and adds a dynamic playmaker to their receiving corps.
What's new: After suffering a torn MCL in July, Hopkins made a quick recovery and returned to practice this week. Although listed as questionable on the injury report, he has been participating in limited practices leading up to the game against the Chicago Bears.
Yes, but: While Hopkins will be on the field for the season opener, it is unlikely that he will play the entire game. The Titans plan to rotate him during the game to manage his workload and ensure his continued recovery.
Brian Callahan's perspective: Titans coach Brian Callahan expressed confidence in Hopkins' healing process and acknowledged the importance of managing his playing time after an extended period of absence. He emphasized the need for a rotational plan to ease Hopkins back into full gameplay.
- Brian Callahan on Hopkins' injury status: "To my knowledge, I think everything is healed though, so far, the way it's supposed to."
- Brian Callahan on managing Hopkins' playing time: "Any player that's coming off an injury or extended missed period of time, you're smart. To ask a guy to go in there and play an entire game, every snap is a tough ask. You try to be at least -- have some sort of plan in place to rotate him enough."
What to watch: Fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on Hopkins' performance during pregame warmups and how he fares during his limited playing time. His presence on the field could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
The bottom line: Hopkins' return marks a positive development for the Titans as they begin their season. With his talent and playmaking ability, he has the potential to make a significant impact on their offense. However, the team will prioritize his long-term health and recovery by managing his playing time carefully in his first game back.