Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins explains how his injured ankle feels ahead of Browns game
DeAndre Hopkins doesn't feel better. He doesn't feel different at all. He's just going through the process.
The Tennessee Titans' veteran receiver missed practice time for the second consecutive week with an ankle injury in advance of the Titans' (1-1) matchup against the Cleveland Browns (1-1) on Sunday (noon, CBS). Hopkins played in spite of the injury last week, catching four passes for 40 yards. And he says he intends to travel to Cleveland for this Sunday's game, but is leaving the decision about whether he'll play to coach Mike Vrabel and the athletic training staff.
"It’s not really moreso improved or a different situation," Hopkins said when asked how his ankle feels. "It’s just the plan of me going into the game being able to play at my best."
DeAndre Hopkins injury update ahead of Cleveland game
Hopkins referred to himself as an "old veteran" and said players with more miles on their legs sometimes need a little longer to heal. He said he's still been able to work out and do cardio through the injury but hasn't been able to run routes and catch passes in full-speed work.
That wasn't so much of an issue last week, when Hopkins played through the injury in the win over the L.A. Chargers. He says he felt good before and after the game and thanked the training staff for putting him in position to feel that way.
Heading into the Cleveland game, Vrabel left the door open for Hopkins to play once again. The only player Vrabel ruled out for Sunday is guard Peter Skoronski, who hasn't practiced this week as he recovers from a medical procedure.
Not being ruled out on Friday doesn't mean a player can't be ruled out on Saturday or Sunday. But for Hopkins, being in position to play is the only thing that matters.
"I think each situation is different depending on the player," Hopkins said. "I’ve played a lot of ball. Missed very few games. Just trusting the plan and just ready to go out when my number is called."
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @nicksuss.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: DeAndre Hopkins assesses his health ahead of Titans game vs. Browns
