What It Means:

Unless the veteran receiver is able to appeal the suspension, Hopkins will now miss the first six games of the NFL season due to a violation of the league's Performance Enhancing Drug policy. It's unclear how exactly Hopkins violated the policy, but his absence will be a tough one for the the Cardinals and for quarterback Kyler Murray (even with the team's draft day trade for Marquise Brown).

Hopkins has been the Cardinals' top option in the passing game since joining the team via trade two seasons ago. His absence down the stretch last season played a huge part in the team's second-half slump that saw them lose four of their final six games of the regular season, as well as their lone playoff appearance. Despite missing seven games, Hopkins still led the team in receiving touchdowns (8) in 2021. The addition of Marquise Brown should help some, but Hopkins' rare ability to win in any situation will be sorely missed.