Cardinals desperately need DeAndre Hopkins to get healthy

DeAndre Hopkins is dealing with an injury ahead of Week 4.

The trade for DeAndre Hopkins has been a smashing success for Kliff Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals. Kyler Murray and his new No. 1 target have come one botched overtime away from a 3-0 start, establishing themselves as contenders in the stacked NFC West. Unfortunately, Hopkins’ momentum might be blunted against the Carolina Panthers, as he might not suit up in Week 4.

Hopkins is in danger of missing this game, as he has been bothered by shoulder problems all throughout the week. Considering how a Christian Kirk just returned from an injury of his own yesterday, the Cardinals’ Air Raid might not be as explosive against Carolina.

DeAndre Hopkins is playing like the best receiver in the league in Arizona

Hopkins, who was traded from Houston in a deal that didn’t even give the Texans a first-round pick in return, joined one of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks in Murray and a coach in Kingsbury that loves to air it out. That combination has worked out well for Hopkins, who is leading the league in catches with 32 and receiving yards with 356.

Not only does Arizona need to pick up a win to keep pace in a very competitive NFC West after dropping a winnable game at home against the Detroit Lions, but they are playing an extremely young Carolina defense that features several rookies holding down starting positions. This is the perfect time for Hopkins to go berserk in a dominant victory that pushes Arizona to 3-1, but his health might not allow it.

Everyone knew that Arizona would be better this year, but few expected this futuristic offense to hit the ground running so quickly. Hopkins needs to get healthy as soon as possible, however, as Arizona would likely need to change their whole gameplan if Hopkins is unable to go.