DeAndre Hopkins announces return to Arizona Cardinal with hype video with Snoop Dog and Dez Bryant
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‘Don’t call it a comeback’: DeAndre Hopkins releases extended video — with cameos from Snoop Dogg and Dez Bryant — to celebrate his return to the Arizona Cardinals roster after six-game drug ban
- Hopkins, 30, will face the Saints for the first time on Thursday night
- He was banned for six games after taking performance-enhancing drugs
- On Thursday, he shared the star-studded black and white video on his Instagram
- Cardinals new wide receiver, Robbie Anderson, lines up to make his debut
- Click here for all your latest international sports news from DailyMail.com
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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins released an extended video featuring cameos Snoop Dogg and Dez Bryant to announce his return to the NFL after a six-game ban after violating the league’s strict policies on performance-enhancing drugs.
Hopkins, 30, will face the New Orleans Saints for the first time in Week 7 of NFL action on Thursday night, 10 games before the end of the regular season.
He hinted at his return on his Instagram profile by posting fitness and exercise videos before sharing the star-studded video on Thursday, along with the caption, “Don’t call it comeback, comeback tour.”
DeAndre Hopkins is back after being banned for violating NFL rules on performance-enhancing drugs
He has missed the first six games of the season but is now available to play for the Cardinals
His return will be much welcomed for a struggling Cardinals team, which is in the midst of a mid-season offensive makeover after hosting Robbie Anderson in a trade with the Panthers on Monday.
The Cardinals hope the Hopkins-Anderson combination can make up for the loss of leading receiver Marquise Brown, who has a foot injury and is likely to miss several weeks.
They also hope the roster upheaval will revive a foul that was among the worst in the NFL. The Cardinals (2-4) lost 19-9 to the Seahawks on Sunday in a game in which they did not score an offensive touchdown.
Hopkins sidelines for August preseason game against the Bengals
Snoop Dogg (left) and Dez Bryant (right) were featured in Hopkins’ clip
“We can’t expect (Hopkins) to be the savior,” Kliff Kingsbury said. “We’re all excited to have him and what he brings, the competitor that he is, and all those things, but we have a lot that we need to get better at.”
It’s a quick turnaround for the Cardinals, who host the Saints on Thursday night.
Arizona is 3-9 in its past 12 games dating to last season. The beginning of that stretch was about the time Hopkins started struggling with hamstring and knee injuries.
The NFL star appears to be very excited about his impending return to action on Thursday
Hopkins returns Thursday night for the Cardinals’ game against the New Orleans Saints
Cardinals’ newly-acquired wide receiver, Robbie Anderson, lines up to make his debut
He was banned for the first six games this season for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Hopkins is expected to produce immediately. Kingsbury said the Cardinals can’t expect miracles, but it should be a welcome addition.
“He definitely brings a dynamism that any team would like to have,” Kingsbury said. “He’s a true No. 1, a playmaker whose defense needs to be aware of every snap. It makes a difference in schedule and game calling.”
Murray said it was a welcome change to have Hopkins on the practice field.
“Just having him there, his energy, it seems like every time you see him on the pitch there’s a reason he’s the best,” Murray said. “I’m excited for him. I’m glad I can throw the ball again. I never took that for granted.’
Hopkins had 42 catches for 572 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games last season. More importantly, the Cardinals had an 8-2 record in those games.