Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins to miss considerable time with injury

The bad keeps on coming. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Arden Key is being suspended six games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. Following that blow on Thursday, it was reported by Paul Kuharsky that superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for four-to-six weeks.

Kuharsky reports that Hopkins suffered the injury during a training camp practice earlier this week. Hopkins was the Titans' No. 1 receiver last season, recording 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and six touchdowns.

The 32-year-old-receiver is slated to enter a contract year in 2024. Hopkins recently expressed interest in signing a long-term extension with the team just last week. The Titans would be wise to approach such a topic with caution given his advancing age, and his reported knee injury could further complicate matters.

If Hopkins misses four weeks, the lesser of the reported timeline, he would be granted approximately one week preparation for the regular-season opener versus the Chicago Bears. A five-to-six week timeline could mean he debuts against the New York Jets in the Titans' Week 2 home opener. The worst case scenario (barring a setback) indicates Hopkins misses two regular-season games.

The Titans severely upgraded the wide receiver position this offseason to ensure injuries such as this one aren't as catastrophic as they would have been last season, though it still represents a major blow. Calvin Ridley was signed to a four-year contract worth $92 million. He may be Tennessee's most-targeted wideout this campaign even when Hopkins is healthy. If the veteran pass catcher misses regular-season time, expect Ridley's target share to increase dramatically.

Ridley wasn't Tennessee's lone addition at receiver. General manager Ran Carthon also signed slot receiver Tyler Boyd to a one-year contract. Boyd arrived in Tennessee with significant familiarity with new head coach Brian Callahan's offense. Expect him to serve as a security blanket for second-year quarterback Will Levis, particularly if Hopkins misses regular season game(s).

With Ridley playing the "Z" or "flanker" position in Callahan's offense, and Boyd taking up his familiar role in the slot, Hopkins' absence should mean increased reps at "X" for Treylon Burks. Burks has been a standout performer at several training camp practices. He looks bigger, faster, and more explosive.

Burks is entering this season tasked with taking advantage of whichever opportunities come his way. One may have just arrived via Hopkins' multi-week injury. The onus is on Burks to prove capable of handling an increased workload over these next few weeks.