The Arizona Cardinals hoped to have DeAndre Hopkins‘ presence to clinch a playoff spot.
After all, he’s one of the reasons behind the Cardinals’ domination throughout the season.
Unfortunately, they won’t have him for the remainder of the regular season due to a sprained knee.
It will be the second time that Hopkins will miss time, and he will seek a second opinion to determine if he will need surgery.
It's about us. No one else. pic.twitter.com/jy4NVt1HIv
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 17, 2021
The team expects him to return by the postseason, that is, if the Cardinals will clinch their berth.
Through Week 14, no team has a guaranteed playoff ticket, and their division lead over the Los Angeles Rams is down to one game.
Therefore, the Cardinals’ remaining four games are essential, and they need other players to compensate for Hopkins’ production.
Here are those who must step up for Arizona while their top receiver is out.
3. James Conner
The Cardinals’ versatile running back is already doing so much for his squad.
But they need him to do more in Hopkins’ absence.
James Conner had two rushing touchdowns and 94 receiving yards last week against the Rams.
Sadly, those numbers were not enough to bring Arizona over the hump.
How are we feeling James Conner managers 😏 pic.twitter.com/YuvbdZvWpE
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 14, 2021
Throughout the season, Conner already has 14 rushing and two receiving touchdowns.
Yet as the homestretch comes near, they need more production from him, especially in the passing game.
Utilizing him in passing plays will force opposing defenses to play conservatively.
2. A.J. Green
A.J. Green gained 10,000 career receiving yards, making him the fifth active player to achieve such a milestone.
He also had a good game against the Rams with seven receptions for 102 yards.
But with Hopkins sidelined, he will be Kyler Murray‘s primary target in the passing game.
Aside from enjoying a resurgence, Green will be vital in the Cardinals’ push for the playoffs.
Welcome to the 10K club, A.J. Green 👏
He joins DeAndre Hopkins, Antonio Brown, DeSean Jackson and Julio Jones as the only active players with 10,000+ career receiving yards. pic.twitter.com/maG9SnQ8sA
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 14, 2021
He’s averaging 15.6 yards per catch which is the second-highest rate of his career.
However, opposing defenses might put two men on him to neutralize his production.
Therefore, head coach Kliff Kingsbury and offensive coordinator Sean Kugler must find creative ways to activate Green from various formations.
1. Rondale Moore
If everyone on the Cardinals roster is healthy, Rondale Moore is behind Hopkins on the depth chart.
With the star receiver sidelined, it’s usual that the man taking his spot must elevate his game.
He may not be the biggest of receivers, but Moore has had spurts of excellence.
The former Purdue standout had a 114-yard performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, including a 77-yard catch.
He has also had 59 and 51-yard games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, respectively.
Imagine if Rondale Moore was used like Deebo ? Maybe 2022?
— LaQuan Jones (@RealDealFantasy) December 14, 2021
However, he only has one touchdown catch all season, and he must get more to fill the void that Hopkins left.
Opposing teams might fall into the trap of not respecting Moore’s speed, given that he’s not the same threat at Hopkins.
When the opposing defense plays off Moore, Murray can exploit their disregard by letting Moore break loose for long gains.
Moore is yearning for a bounce-back game after getting 13 total yards in their last two games.
Hopkins’ injury is his chance to contribute more to the Cardinals.
NEXT: Cardinals Get Awful News On The Status Of DeAndre Hopkins