DeAndre Hopkins is one of the first wide receivers to be picked off the fantasy board whenever he steps on the field, but his recent actions have only enabled him to be off the football field. Unlike other players, Hopkins isn’t injured, but suspended after he violated the league’s policy, testing positive for Ostarine, which is banned substance.
Although the Arizona Cardinals decided to uphold the verdict, yet the league was adamant upon his punishment for DeAndre Hopkins. He has held firm for months that he has no idea how the substance got into him and his system. But if appears that the full quota of six games will have to be served, more likely than not at this point.
Hopkins absence was a huge disaster for the Cardinals as they were completely, brutally and humiliating thumped by Kansas City Chiefs. Hopkins even told the media previously that the 0.134 trace elements of ostarine that were detected, dates back to November. While the margin is small, as the NFL’s threshold is 0.100, Hopkins have been left with his 6-game suspension.
Can Kyler Murray inspire Cardinals without DeAndre Hopkins?
Talking now about the Raiders vs Cardinals showdown – the former team did not live up to their hype in Week 1. However, there were individual highlights coming from Davante Adams, as he looked like his usual self. On the other hand, Derek Carr needs to step up on the biggest stage along with the rest of the offense to ensure Coach Josh McDaniels gets his first win for this team.
Cardinals looked below-par all throughout the Chiefs’ showdown. It is not one area where this team needs to improve to register a win, but the entire team needs to find a common rhythm. Kyler Murray led and DeAndre Hopkins-less Cardinals’ offense managed to pick up 18 first downs and went 3-for-12 on third downs against Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs.
Which team among these two will rise superior as we unfold the action from Week 2 of the 2022-23 NFL Season? Remains to be seen.
Also Read: Reports: Tee Higgins expected to play in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys