Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn’t hesitate when asked about DeAndre Hopkins’ availability for Week 8. “Why wait, right?” Reid said, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, signaling that the newly acquired wide receiver is expected to make an immediate impact following a pivotal trade with the Tennessee Titans.

The Kansas City Chiefs finalized the acquisition of Hopkins on Thursday, sending a conditional fifth-round pick to Tennessee, which could become a fourth-rounder. Kansas City made the move in response to a string of injuries affecting their receiving corps. Rashee Rice and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown are both sidelined, while Juju Smith-Schuster continues to recover from a significant hamstring injury. Additionally, Skyy Moore was placed on injured reserve due to a core muscle issue, intensifying the need for a proven playmaker.

Hopkins, 32, comes to Kansas City after a productive 2023 season in Tennessee, where he recorded 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite a slow start this year with only 173 yards and one touchdown in six games, Hopkins' struggles were largely due to the Titans' inconsistent quarterback play and offensive challenges. Now with the Chiefs, he has the opportunity to reestablish himself as a top-tier receiver within one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

DeAndre Hopkins arrival adds crucial depth as Chiefs aim to stay undefeated in Week 8 against Raiders

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Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins scores a touchdown past Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes.
© Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kansas City, currently undefeated at 6-0, is gearing up to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8. While the Raiders have had their share of struggles, divisional games tend to be competitive, and the Chiefs are preparing to maintain their winning streak. With Hopkins joining the lineup, quarterback Patrick Mahomes gains a dependable target who excels in contested catches and field-stretching plays.

Andy Reid’s brief but confident response about DeAndre Hopkins' readiness reflects the team’s eagerness to utilize the veteran wideout immediately. Adjusting to the Chiefs’ offensive system can be challenging, but Reid’s comments suggest that Hopkins will quickly find his place in the lineup.

As Kansas City looks to extend its dominance in the AFC, Hopkins' arrival couldn’t come at a better time. His experience and playmaking ability will be crucial for the Chiefs as they navigate their injury setbacks. With Mahomes leading the way and Hopkins adding depth to the offense, Kansas City is well-positioned to continue its pursuit of another deep postseason run.