ARIZONA CARDINALS

Report: Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins ‘could be back’ by NFC Championship

Dec 19, 2021, 7:49 AM | Updated: 11:50 am

DeAndre Hopkins...

(L-R) D.J. Humphries #74 and DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals leave the field after the game against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)

(Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)

If the Arizona Cardinals can make a deep run in the playoffs, they could potentially get a huge piece for the two biggest games of the season.

There’s a chance injured wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who underwent surgery for a “badly torn” MCL this past week, “could be back” for the NFC Championship game or Super Bowl, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday.

Schefter adds that expecting the wideout back in the fold before then is “unrealistic.”

The timeline of Hopkins’ recovery fits in line with CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson’s report, who said Thursday the team internally was bracing for a two-to-four month recovery time for the wide receiver ahead of surgery.

At the end of the Cardinals’ second-to-last drive Monday in a 30-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Hopkins went up for a jump ball and got up slowly before heading to the sideline. He was not in for Arizona’s last drive.

Following the matchup, Hopkins underwent an MRI on his knee before getting a second opinion and eventually opting for MCL surgery. The team placed him and cornerback Robert Alford (pectoral) on the injured reserve on Saturday.

Hopkins has 42 catches for 572 yards and eight touchdowns this season but has missed three games with a hamstring issue. He played in the last two games coming out of a bye week.

Hopkins has been hit hard by the injury bug this season, having already missed three games (Weeks 9-11) with a hamstring issue before suffering the knee injury.

With Hopkins sidelined, wide receiver Antoine Wesley is in line for some added reps.

The Cardinals take on the Lions on Sunday at 11 a.m. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for all the action.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Ben Stille (90) stands on the sidelines during an NFL football ...

Bailey Leasure

Cardinals elevate defensive lineman Ben Stille from practice squad

The Cardinals elevated defensive lineman Ben Stille to the active roster ahead of their Week 9 matchup versus the Chicago Bears.

2 hours ago

The roof is expected to be open Sunday for the Cardinals-Bears game at State Farm Stadium...

Damon Allred

Cardinals-Bears: Roof expected to be open at State Farm Stadium

The roof at State Farm Stadium is expected to be open on Sunday as the Arizona Cardinals host the Chicago Bears, the team announced.

5 hours ago

Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari, who the Cardinals have reportedly inquired about ahead of the NFL...

Damon Allred

Report: Cardinals have called about pass rushers Azeez Ojulari, Arden Key ahead of NFL trade deadline

The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly made calls about pass rushers Azeez Ojulari of the New York Giants and Arden Key of the Tennessee Titans.

9 hours ago

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams looks to pass. The Cardinals take on the Bears in Week 9....

Tyler Drake

Cardinals-Bears: Arizona gets another crack at a rookie QB

The Arizona Cardinals defense is getting its first look at No. 1 overall pick and Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on Sunday.

10 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort continues to field calls ahead of trade deadline

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said his front office has been involved in a number of talks ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

1 day ago

Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker points to the crowd. The veteran remains unbothered by any trade sp...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals GM: ‘Don’t believe everything you read’ on potential Budda Baker trades

Arizona Cardinals veteran safety Budda Baker's name has been thrown around as the NFL trade deadline approaches. But should it be?

1 day ago

Report: Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins ‘could be back’ by NFC Championship