Tennessee Titans DeAndre Hopkins Will Play Against Los Angeles Chargers

The Tennessee Titans will have their leading receiver on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported DeAndre Hopkins will play in Week 2.

The Tennessee Titans' Week 2 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers will likely require more than the 15 points the Titans put up in Week 1. The offense needs to take a big step up and they will have their best chance to do so now that receiver DeAndre Hopkins will play.

According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hopkins will play on Sunday against the Chargers. Hopkins came into the game designated as questionable with an ankle injury after missing practice all week.

#Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins has not practiced this week because of an ankle injury, but he is playing today, source said. He is listed as questionable.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2023

Hopkins had a nice debut for the Titans. He brought in seven catches for 65 yards and was the primary threat for the offense, but Hopkins certainly struggled at times with the tight coverage from Saints' corner Marshon Lattimore. 

It was on Hopkins' final catch, and coincidentally the Titans' last offensive snap, that he hurt the ankle. Hopkins came off the field limping and laid down on the sideline before starting to massage the ankle.

When Hopkins was signed there were some concerns about durability for the veteran receiver. Seeing Hopkins miss practice was concerning, but at 31 years old, it should be expected that Hopkins would lean on the side of not practicing if there was any injury or nagging issue. 

Hopkins is in his 11th season in the NFL. If there is anyone on the Titans that can still perform without a few practices, Hopkins seems like the guy. The Titans will need him to be that guy on Sunday.

The Chargers scored 34 points in Week 1. The Titans didn't score 34 points once in 2022. After only scoring 15 points last week, the Titans will likely have to score significantly more to win against a potent offense.

Hopkins will be key to that effort and the Titans' depth at receiver isn't built to withstand losing one of their top two targets in Hopkins and Treylon Burks. With the offensive task ahead, the Titans can at least know they are fully equipped at wide receiver. 

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