NFL Suspends Pro-Bowl Wide Receiver for Six Games

 

The NFL has suspended five-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for violating the league's Performance-Enhancing Drug policy. 

Cardinals’ Pro-Bowl WR DeAndre Hopkins is being suspended six games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Drug policy, league sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/hNGNX4Aegx

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2022

This comes as a huge blow to the Arizona Cardinals. The 29-year-old wideout has enjoyed some of the most success in the league over his seven-year career. His name is often heard in discussions about the NFL's best wide receivers among other stars like Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp. This suspension will, no doubt, tarnish Hopkins's reputation.

Since 2019 (and beyond), Hopkins has amassed jaw-dropping statistics. In forty-one games, the wideout had 261 receptions for a total of 3,144 receiving yards. He had twenty-one touchdowns and averaged 12 yards per reception. He's consistent, too. He had a 69.8 catch percentage and averaged 6.4 receptions and 76.4 receiving yards per game. Here's the best stat: since 2014, Hopkins has averaged 8.3 yards per target. That's almost a statistically-guaranteed first-down on any down-and-ten. 

But with the PED suspension, these stats will never again be viewed the same. The Cardinals' acquisition of Marquise Brown couldn't have come at a better time. 

Photo Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK