Titans’ DeAndre Hopkins, who suffered MCL tear, plans to play through injury without Surgery

Titans' DeAndre Hopkins sounded optimistic about playing through injury without surgery after tearing his MCL in late July.

Titans’ DeAndre Hopkins, who suffered MCL tear, plans to play through injury without Surgery

DeAndre Hopkins (via IMAGO)

The NFL 2024 season has kicked off with a slashy matchup and moving onto the Tennessee Titans’ week 1 match on Sunday. However, it seems wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins might be sitting on the sideline in the opening game after sustaining a serious injury a month ago. 

On July 31st, the veteran wide receiver sustained an injury to his left knee which later turned out to be a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) rupture. Though the injury is serious and might force Hopkins to miss a few weeks, it does not require surgery. If asked Hopkins, he plans to do the same– play through the injury without any surgery. 

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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. Obviously, it’s pain at that point.
Hopkins told Paul Kuharsky of paulkuharsky.com

Although the receiver’s participation in the Sunday Night Football Match is labeled uncertain, he reflected being optimistic about playing against the Chicago Bears. However, if his injury gets worse, he might have to miss two or more months as he did last time when he sustained an MCL injury. He had ruptured his MCL to Grade 3 in his right knee in 2021 and went through surgery which made him miss six games of the Arizona Cardinals, including their preseason loss that got them eliminated. 

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DeAndre Hopkins ready to prove himself again 

Hopkins is coming off an impressive season with the Titans in 2023 by leading them with 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. However, making an impact this season might be difficult for the veteran since the Titans have strengthened their offensive line by adding receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd. 

However, if his debut season is any proof, the wide receiver wouldn’t face much trouble in adjusting to any environment. With his impressive stats, he also has built a strong connection with quarterback Will Levis many times throughout the season. 

DeAndre Hoplins
DeAndre Hopkins (via Sports Illustrated)

As for his plans in the 2024 campaign, Hopkins is ready to attack from week 1 but the Titans may be more precautionary towards his injury. They are aiming for the Super Bowl victory and can’t afford to lose Hopkins over something that could have been avoided early on.

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