DeAndre Hopkins Reportedly Played 2nd Half of Game vs Chiefs With Broken Rib
By Karl Rasmussen
The Houston Texans were bounced from the playoffs in the Divisional Round after a stunning comeback from the Kansas City Chiefs.
One reason for the Texans' offensive struggles in the second half may have just been revealed. Star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins reportedly suffered a broken rib in the game and was hindered by the injury throughout the second half.
FYI: DeAndre Hopkins played the second half of the KC playoff defeat with a broken rib. That’s one tough dude! He’s missed one game in 7 years cause of an injury.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 20, 2020
Hopkins is one of the league's toughest players, and he sacrificed his body in order to try to help the Texans advance deeper into the postseason.
In the game against Kansas City, Hopkins racked up nine receptions and 118 yards on 14 targets, including four second-half grabs. While he gave his all in order to help the team, they weren't able to overcome the surging Chiefs, who put up 51 points in the game, all of which were scored after the first quarter.
PFWA All-AFC Team.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 14, 2020
PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Congratulations to WR DeAndre Hopkins and T Tytus Howard.
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Hopkins has played in at least 15 games every year of his NFL career, only missing one contest due to injury -- he sat out Week 17 this season for rest purposes.
While the Texans weren't able to squeak past the Chiefs, fans in Houston should have nothing but admiration for their star pass-catcher, as Hopkins was willing to make a significant sacrifice to give his team a better chance to win.