Arizona Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins continues to deal with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss last week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Hopkins remains questionable heading into Week 10 vs. the Carolina Panthers. If Hopkins plays, should you start him in your fantasy football lineups, or is it best to presume caution and leave him on your bench?
Update: DeAndre Hopkins is inactive for the Cardinals Week 10 game against the Carolina Panthers.
DeAndre Hopkins a game-time decision for Week 10
Chances are we’ll have to wait until Arizona’s final inactives list 90 minutes prior to kickoff as to whether Hopkins plays. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the Cardinals have a late-afternoon kickoff with the Panthers, potentially putting managers in a pinch.
Like last week, Hopkins has not practiced at all heading into Week 10. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury mentioned before Week 9’s contest that neither he nor QB Kyler Murray (ankle) needed to practice in order to suit up. Inevitably, neither played.
For what it’s worth, Murray did put in some practice time on Friday but still looks to be unavailable for this week. As for Hopkins, Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning that Hopkins expected to be out, barring an unexpected change.
Cardinals dealing with multiple injuries
In addition to Hopkins’ and Murray’s injuries, the Cardinals have other injured players on the offensive side of the ball as well. RB Chase Edmonds has already been ruled out with a high ankle sprain. Edmonds is expected to miss multiple weeks, but the Cardinals have not designated him to injured reserve.
Additionally, WR Rondale Moore is currently dealing with a concussion. While Moore did return to practice on a limited basis Friday, he’ll need to be cleared to play. Like Hopkins, Moore is considered a game-time decision.
With the Cardinals dealing with a number of injuries, will they look to push Hopkins out there for their Week 10 matchup against the Panthers?
Should you start or sit Hopkins for fantasy in Week 10?
Hopkins has not lived up to the second or third-round draft position fantasy managers took him in before the 2021 season. Still, as the WR17 overall on the season and averaging 13.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, Hopkins remains highly productive for fantasy managers.
Nevertheless, it seems the several mouths to feed in Arizona has put a cap on Hopkins’ ceiling. Skeptics had this concern heading into last season when Houston traded Hopkins to Arizona.
With that said, he’s been a WR2 or better in five of eight games played this year, including three WR1 performances. He’s also the No. 1 pass catcher on one of the most potent offenses for fantasy. Yes, Christian Kirk is ahead of Hopkins in receiving yards and receptions. But Hopkins leads the team in targets (49) and receiving touchdowns (7) despite playing in one less game.
Hopkins could bust in Week 10 if he’s active
There’s a strong chance that Hopkins will be inactive again this week. And it’s my belief this will be the case. But if he plays, you’re probably starting him. I don’t love it, though.
With the hamstring injury, it’s very possible we see Hopkins on a limited snap count. There’s also the option for the Cardinals to simply use him as a decoy. I believe either of these two scenarios are more likely to happen than Hopkins having a WR2 or better performance in Week 10.
It’s difficult to sit an active Hopkins, particularly in deeper leagues. With four teams on a bye and key injuries to players such as Robert Woods, most fantasy managers likely have no choice but to start Hopkins in Week 10.
Yet, for those in 10-team leagues or fewer, or simply deep at the WR position, I’d strongly consider looking at other options and leaving Hopkins on the bench this week. I know it seems like a risky play on the surface. But starting a potential decoy who may or may not have his starting QB may prove to be the riskier option.