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Game status: Hopkins and Kirk are both ACTIVE for Week 4.
Game day update: Both Hopkins and Kirk are expected to play on Sunday barring any pre-game setbacks, according to Adam Schefter. Hopkins is a must start in all formats, while Kirk is no more than a flex start in the deepest leagues if he’s active.
The Arizona Cardinals are going into Sunday’s game with a couple tough decisions to make about two of their most important players. Wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk are both listed as questionable, and both players are going to be game-time decisions.
Hopkins leads the league in receptions (32) and receiving yards (356). More importantly, he’s been quarterback Kyler Murray’s go-to guy in the passing game. His 37 targets through three games is more than double the second-most targeted player on the team, Larry Fitzgerald with 15. He’s dealing with an ankle injury.
Kirk has had considerably less to do in the passing game, with just three catches on the season. He also missed last week’s game with the same groin injury that has him questionable this week.
Fantasy impact: DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk injury
You’ll hardly notice if Kirk doesn’t play this week. Despite some preseason optimism, he’s irrelevant for fantasy football so far this year. Hopkins, however, has been one of the most consistent performers in fantasy, a must-start every week. Losing him would leave a huge hole in lineups.
If Hopkins can’t play, Fitzgerald would likely see his target share increase. He’s not going to break off the kind of big yardage numbers that Hopkins produces, but would have some value in PPR leagues. Andy Isabella might be a better pickup if Hopkins can’t play. He’s coming off a four-catch, two-touchdown performance in last week’s game against the Lions. And at just $4,500 in DraftKings leagues, Isabella is a cheap gamble.
Ultimately, the team is leaving the decision up to Hopkins, and considering he’s only missed two games in his NFL career, there’s a good chance that he’ll play. This game is on the early slate, so you’ll have a brief window to make a decision. If he does play, you pretty much have to start him.