Is DeAndre Hopkins Playing? Latest Injury Updates, Fantasy Analysis, and More

Veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins was brought back to life on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons with rookie QB Will Levis under center. Hopkins finished the week as the WR2 with 128 yards receiving on four receptions with three TDs. It was his second finish in the top 10 this season, as it is clear that he is the favorite target of Levis.

And why not? The rookie has an arm, and if he can get it in the vicinity, we all know D-Hop is down there somewhere.

However, fantasy football managers received worrisome news when Hopkins did not practice on Wednesday and was listed as questionable by the Tennessee Titans for Thursday’s game against Pittsburgh due to a toe issue.

Is DeAndre Hopkins Going To Play in Week 9?

Hopkins has a history of playing after little to no practice, so I am not overly concerned about his availability this week. A Wednesday off could have simply been an extra day off for a veteran. The Titans will release their inactives 90 minutes before kickoff, so make sure to monitor the news. Hopkins is WR30 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings this week.

Potential Fantasy Options if Hopkins Is Out Include Derrick Henry and Chigoziem Okonkwo

Managers want Hopkins to be active for a good matchup in Pittsburgh. They allow the ninth-most receiving yards to opposing pass catchers, and Hopkins is averaging 49% of the WR targets in Tennessee. If he is sidelined, WRs Treylon Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could see more targets.

MORE: Should You Start Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or Treylon Burks in Fantasy Football Week 9?

Since we only have one NFL game’s worth of data for Levis, it is difficult to predict what he will do if his No. 1 option is removed, but I believe that he would simply rely more on the most consistent guy on the team for a rookie QB: RB Derrick Henry.

I already expect a solid game from Henry this week, but if Hopkins sits, I expect a monster showing. TE Chigoziem Okonkwo could also take advantage of the situation. He had six targets last week, including a drop that would have resulted in a big gain.

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