Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is expected to play this weekend despite missing his second consecutive practice on Thursday with a knee injury, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Hopkins isn't the only Texans player expected to play this weekend after suffering an injury, as linebacker Jadeveon Clowney has been upgraded to a full participant and is set to play this Sunday against the New York Jets, according to Wilson.
Hopkins caught the game-winning touchdown to beat the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals last week and has been improving each day with his knee injury. "I'm 100 percent," said Hopkins, via the Houston Chronicle. "It's not that big of a deal," that he missed practice twice. Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien thinks Hopkins will be ready to go this weekend, and the Texans are currently in a tight race in a weak AFC South.
Houston faces a tough challenge against the Jets, as their defense is one of the best in the league and ranks fourth in terms of total yards given up per game. Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer is reportedly improving but won't play this Sunday, according to Wilson. With Hoyer out with a concussion, backup quarterback T.J. Yates will need a healthy Hopkins on the field. The Texans star wide receiver opens the field for the entire Houston offense and will be needed against a stingy Jets defense.
The Texans will get a lift from Hopkins on the offensive side of the field, and the return of Clowney could elevate Houston's defense to another level. The Texans former round pick missed last week's game with a lower back injury, but he will return to the field on Sunday. The Texans have given up a combined 12 points in their past two games, and Sunday's matchup with the Jets looks to be a defensive showdown.
