Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will officially miss the first six games of the 2021 season due to a league-issued suspension.
The NFL announced this afternoon that Hopkins has been suspended for violating the league policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Originally, the five-time Pro Bowler planned to appeal the decision.
However, Hopkins has withdrawn that appeal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, which locks in the punishment.
#AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins withdrew his appeal, source said. So, now official:
Hopkins is suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2022 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2022
Hopkins played in 10 games for the Cardinals in 2021, catching 42 passes for 572 yards and eight touchdowns. He battled through a hamstring injury before tearing his MCL late in the year, prematurely ending his season.
With Hopkins sidelined for the first month and a half, Arizona will rely on recently-acquired Hollywood Brown, as well as A.J. Green and 2021 second-round pick Rondale Moore. Last year’s breakout find Antoine Wesley should also factor into the rotation.
Hopkins, 30, should be able to return in late October.
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