Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins suffered a concussion last week in a loss to the Carolina Panthers 24-17, according to John McClain and Aaron Wilson of the Houstonchronicle.com.
The Texans will likely need there star receiver this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Houston is winless so far this season. Hopkins is the Texans number one receiver, and combining that with the loss of Arian Foster for another week makes this a devastating blow to the Texans.
Hopkins must now complete the concussion protocol before he can be cleared to play this Sunday. The Texans have not had a good start to their season and made a change at quarterback last week going with Ryan Mallett over Brian Hoyer.
If Hopkins can't go this weekend, look to Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts III to have big games as they will likely be Mallett's best weapons. Without Hopkins and Foster the Texans could be without their two best weapons this Sunday, and that will likely put pressure on the Texans defense to step up against Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jameis Winston.
Hopkins already has 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season. The Texans picked Hopkins in the first round in 2013 and were likely expecting him to become a dominant receiver in the league. It is unknown if Hopkins will be able to go this weekend, but Mallett and head coach Bill O'Brien will likely be hoping that he passes through the concussion protocol tests prior to the game Sunday.
