Shortly after the Kansas City Chiefs officially announced their acquisition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins via trade, the team also revealed that third-year WR Skyy Moore had been placed on injured reserve due to a core muscle injury.
Moore, 22, is in his third season with the Chiefs but has struggled to secure his place on the active roster. Through six games, he registered three targets and two drops while playing just 20% of the team’s offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference.
Fortunately, Moore’s move to IR opens up a roster spot for Hopkins, meaning Kansas City won’t need to make any additional corresponding moves.
Patrick Mahomes Talks About Midseason Receiver Additions
Hopkins wasn’t officially added to Kansas City’s roster until Thursday. Because of that, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and players didn’t address Hopkins during Wednesday’s media availability. However, media members still sought to get insights from the Chiefs regarding the high-profile trade.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was asked about his comfort level in making contested throws, something he’ll need to do more with Hopkins on the team.
“In my time, we’ve had receivers who can make those contested catches, and once you build that relationship and trust, you put it up there and let guys make plays,” Mahomes said on October 23. “What’s special about Coach Reid’s offense is that it adapts to whoever’s in there. He has different ways to use your strengths, and it’s my job to give them chances to go out and make plays.”
Mahomes was also asked about his biggest takeaway from integrating receivers midseason in previous years.
“The biggest thing for me is, whenever a new guy comes in, getting on the same page as quickly as possible,” Mahomes explained. “Even with guys like Kareem [Hunt] in the running back position, I’ve worked to communicate throughout protection calls, throughout plays, making sure he knows his job and can execute. That’s part of the NFL, bringing new guys in, and the coaches do a great job preparing them to have success.”
DeAndre Hopkins Could Play Against the Raiders
Hopkins joined Kansas City’s roster just days before the Chiefs’ Week 8 matchup against division rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders. However, according to James Palmer of Underdog Fantasy, the Chiefs aim to have Hopkins play in the Week 8 game despite the quick turnaround.
“I’m told the #chiefs will get DeAndre Hopkins going as soon as he lands in KC today,” Palmer posted on X, formerly Twitter, on October 23. “The goal is to have him play Sunday vs. the #raiders, per source. They’ll know by the end of the week what he can do. It’s going to be tough, I’m told, but that’s their plan.”
The Chiefs will face the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 27, at 3:25 p.m. Central Time. The game will be broadcast on CBS.
