Injuries have significantly impacted the Chiefs’ offense this season. Despite their undefeated record, they are seeking assistance in the receiving area. To address these injuries, the reigning champions have acquired All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Titans.
Nonetheless, Hopkins’ previous injury history may raise concerns among fans. His skills are undeniable, as he has been one of the league’s top receivers since 2010 when healthy. Yet, the five-time Pro Bowler has faced numerous injuries throughout his career.
While he dealt with minor injuries since 2013 like many NFL players, it wasn’t until 2021 that these injuries began significantly affecting his playing time. According to Draft Sharks, his first notable injury occurred in 2014 when he tore the ligaments in his right wrist.
Fortunately, he did not miss any games that season and opted for surgery to fix the issue. The first game he missed occurred in the 2017 season due to a left calf injury, sidelining him for the last game of that year.
In 2020, DHop experienced a thigh hamstring sprain, a Grade 1 ankle sprain, a neck injury, and a lower back lumbar sprain. Nevertheless, he managed to play through all these ailments. His hamstring issues resurfaced in 2021, causing him to miss three games after aggravating the injury.
Later that season, he suffered an MCL tear in December against the Rams, which kept him out for the remainder of the year. In total, he missed seven games that season. Additionally, after missing the first six games of the 2022 season due to a violation of the NFL’s drug policy, he made his return in Week 7.
He aggravated his knee injury in Week 16, resulting in him sitting out the last two weeks of the season. During training camp, he suffered a grade 3 MCL tear, which contributed to a sluggish start in the following season.
However, the fact that he successfully completed his physical prior to joining the Chiefs suggests he is currently fit. Kansas City will hope for his continued health, even if it required them to part with a higher draft pick.
The Chiefs are seizing a potential bargain if Hopkins can stay healthy!
Given their extensive injury list, the Chiefs had no alternative but to acquire a wide receiver. With DHop now on their roster, the intriguing question remains regarding what they surrendered for his addition.
Kansas City is relinquishing its fifth-round pick for next season. This pick could upgrade to a fourth-round selection if Hopkins plays at least 60% of the snaps this season and the team reaches another Super Bowl. In the trade, the Mahomes-led squad is gaining a three-time All-Pro receiver.
Consequently, the Titans will cover $2.5 million of the receiver’s salary. DeAndre Hopkins, with 173 yards on 15 receptions, is expected to play a significant role this season for the defending champions, particularly in light of the absences of Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and others.
Image Source: DeAndre Hopkins @ Instagram
