Should the Titans be concerned about knee injury to star WR?

Tennesee Titans star wideout DeAndre Hopkins may not be ready for the start of the 2024 NFL season after suffering a knee strain this week. The three-time All-Pro isn't expected to be out for an extended period, but is there cause for concern?

According to Titans writer Paul Kuharsky, Hopkins could miss four-to-six weeks , leaving the door open for a Week 1 return. Nevertheless, this is another in an extensive history of lower-body injuries for the 32-year-old, which is a fact that can't be overlooked.

For the first time since 2020, Hopkins made it through an entire season unscathed in 2023, suiting up for all 17 games for the Titans. However, he missed 15 games over the previous two seasons with hamstring and knee injuries, including an MCL tear that cost him the final four weeks of 2021 and the first six games of 2022.

Hopkins practiced with a wrap around his left knee on Wednesday before leaving the session early. Kuharsky said he showed "no discernible limp" while walking off the field, and it seems the Titans are simply showing caution rather than concern for several reasons.

First off, the injury is not to the same knee that Hopkins has had recent issues with. Secondly, the Titans have depth to fill the void, even if their No. 1 wideout cannot return within the expected timetable.

In the offseason, Tennessee added two veteran receivers in free agency, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, who should help pick up the slack. Meanwhile, Hopkins' absence may allow 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks the opportunity to live up to expectations after showing little to nothing over his first two NFL seasons.