Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Darius Slayton

Friday, July 25, 3:38 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (undisclosed) was back in action on Friday after missing the team's Thursday practice with an undisclosed ailment, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said previously that Hopkins was held out as a precaution, and that appears to be the truth. The 33-year-old Hopkins is likely someone who Baltimore will be judicious with in terms of practice workload anyway, so a single-day absence early in camp shouldn't be considered highly worrisome. Hopkins recorded 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games split between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. He's more of a supporting piece at this point in his career, but he'll be in the mix with Rashod Bateman as a secondary target option at receiver for Baltimore behind Zay Flowers. The Ravens also have talented tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, so Hopkins could be looking at an even further reduced workload from what he saw last season.

Thursday, August 7, 3:25 PM

The Athletic's Dan Duggan reports that New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (undisclosed) was on the side with trainers at Thursday's team practice. There's been no news regarding what body part is ailing the veteran. Slayton and other Giants' starters are still waiting on word of whether or not they'll suit up for Saturday's road tilt with the Buffalo Bills, but any time missed would put him in danger of not being able to play in their first preseason game. The fact that there's been no mention of injury is encouraging, but the seventh-year pro is slated to play critical snaps on the outside for the team. Fellow WR Jalin Hyatt should benefit the most in terms of playing time with Slayton sidelined. He's the most likely next man up if the 28-year-old is affected long-term.