:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47274464/usa-today-8800404.0.jpg)
Less than a week after he first reported symptoms of a concussion presumably suffered against the Panthers, DeAndre Hopkins will play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this afternoon.
As expected WR DeAndre Hopkins will play for Texans. He passed concussion protocol and was probable.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) September 27, 2015
DeAndre Hopkins passed concussion protocol and will play today. #Texans
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 27, 2015
Although things seemed to be trending this way based upon what Bill O'Brien said earlier this week and Hopkins' return to practice on Friday, there has to be a profound sense of relief at NRG Park this morning. The Texans' offense hasn't been very good with their top wide receiver, so it's positively terrifying to think of what it would have looked like without him.
While it's undoubtedly good for the Texans that Hopkins will be out there this afternoon, here's hoping he's truly in a condition to play and that he doesn't suffer any additional injuries.
Buccaneers vs Texans coverage