The Arizona Cardinals will not have DeAndre Hopkins for the start of the season.
The star wide receiver has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancement Drug policy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Hopkins, 29, is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro receiver who was traded to Arizona from the Texans after the 2019 season. He is coming off a season that was marred by injuries, causing him to miss seven games, plus the team’s lone playoff game.
The news of Hopkins’ suspension also comes just days after the Cardinals traded for Baltimore’s top receiver in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
The Cardinals lost Christian Kirk in free agency this offseason, too, leaving them with Brown, Rondale Moore and A.J. Green as the top receivers on the depth chart.
The loss of Hopkins for six games also comes at a time when Kyler Murray is in search of a contract extension and will now be without his best weapon to open the season.
Last year, Hopkins had 42 receptions for 572 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram