For the first time in his five-year NFL career, DeAndre Hopkins won't suit up for a game.
Since his professional debut in Week 1 of 2013, the wide receiver started every single game, 79 in all. But a calf injury kept the Pro Bowler out of practice this week, and will prevent him from playing in his 80th straight contest this Sunday at Indianapolis.
"I'm kind of upset that I'm not playing this week," Hopkins said. "It's my first game since I've been in the NFL that I'm going to miss. So I'm pretty upset about that."
It's been a brilliant 2017 for Hopkins, who leads the NFL in touchdown catches with 13, and has pulled in 96 receptions for 1,378 yards. His durability through the start of his career, though, was a point of pride for the former Clemson Tiger.
"Very proud," Hopkins said. "I don't know too many players who can say they haven't missed a game since they've been playing in the NFL. To me, I take that seriously."
Hopkins caught at least one pass in every one of those 79 straight games played.
DeAndre Hopkins to miss season finale
Dec 29, 2017 at 04:30 AM
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