Hopkins Creates Buzz Against Titans with One-Handed Catch

Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins wowed everyone with a vintage one-handed catch in practice against the Titans.

The talk of the day in Nashville was wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ eye-popping one-handed catch during practice against the Tennessee Titans.

Of course, with Hopkins, nothing actually seems eye-popping or spectacular.

Wide receiver A.J. Green said, "We were talking about it in the locker room. He said, 'I'm going to go out there and one-hand everything.' He talked about it. And he did it. That's one thing about him. When the lights come on, he's going to be ready."

Safety Budda Baker was asked if he saw the catch, but said, “I didn't see it, but I heard about it. So hopefully, we'll be seeing that on social media or something like that because I definitely want to see that.”

Chiming in was head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who said, “It was fun to see him get out there. Anytime you feel that competitive spirit kind of lift up, here comes Hop. He loves to compete. So it was fun to watch him do that. And I'm sure he's got some good content for his IG now.”

That will be the last for a while that Hopkins will be “out there.” He will officially be placed on reserve/suspended next Tuesday (Aug. 30) and miss the first six games of the season.

Joint Practice Notes

• After Wednesday’s practice, the Cardinals will have only a walkthrough Thursday before playing the Titans Saturday. Kingsbury said, "I like the one day. It's kind of like my Vegas philosophy: 24 hours and I'm good."

• This was the first time many of the younger Cardinals have participated in a joint practice, and Baker said, “It was very competitive today. Had a lot of juice, had a lot of fun. Guys were ready early. This is my first joint practice in my career, so I was hyped up myself, so it was definitely a good time.

• He also said the chatter with an opposing offense was fun: "We still talk trash to our teammates, but this is a new face. You can say the same jokes and it's the first time they're hearing it."

• Kingsbury claims not to be worried about why cornerback Antonio Hamilton missed practice for two days this week. After practice in Tempe Tuesday, Kingsbury explained Hamilton’s absence by saying he had a doctor’s appointment. 

• Wednesday, he said Hamilton was “still being evaluated” and when asked what the issue is, Kingsbury said, "We'll let you know Week 1 when we have to."
That was reference to the first mandatory injury report of the regular season, which will be Wednesday, Sept 7. 

Does that mean Kingsbury knows the issue won’t be resolved by then? Saying Hamilton had a doctor’s appointment makes it sound like it could be a health issue rather than a football-related injury. It’s only speculation, but that’s the result when credible information isn’t communicated.

• Offensive lineman Cody Ford, who was acquired in a trade Monday, was on the field Wednesday and worked with the first team at left guard while Justin Pugh is being evaluated because of a stinger.Kingsbury said, "He's big and nasty. We are excited for him to have picked enough up to go in there. It was pretty impressive."

• Green was asked about players that have stood out in camp. He quickly mentioned fellow receiver Greg Dortch. Said Green, "I tell everybody about Dortch, man. His feel for the game, his hands, his mentality every day is unmatched. Every day you get 100 percent from that guy."

• Asked about pulling for certain guys, Green added, "Dortch is one of those guys. Andy (Isabella). Those guys; I go home every day and tell my wife how these guys work, how they don't complain. They work every day, and that makes me want to come out and work every day."