Texans need DeAndre Hopkins to catch passes, not fight

Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien isn’t dealing with training camp fights even when it comes to star players like DeAndre Hopkins.

A fight erupted during a joint practice between the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers. It resulted in DeAndre Hopkins being kicked out of practice by coach Bill O’Brien. This sort of thing is common place, but can be a major distraction.

The Texans obviously don’t want their star wide receiver throwing punches. In a game situation, it would result in an ejection and potentially an additional suspension.

There’s also the injury risk if he were to break his hand on a helmet. The Texans need Hopkins on the field making plays rather than on the sideline. This is a team with hopes of getting back into the playoffs and can’t accomplish that without Hopkins.

Houston has the makings of a solid offensive cast with Hopkins and Deshaun Watson leading the way. Younger wide receivers like Will Fuller, Braxton Miller and Keke Coutee also bring great promise.

The running back group is in solid hands with Lamar Miller and will get better with D’Onta Foreman returning from injury.

If there’s a weak link with Houston’s offense it’s in the trenches. The Texans don’t really have one completely settled spot on the offensive line. Free-agent signing Zach Fulton is the most established player and even he has shuffled from starter to backup.

There’s some upside in the group with center Nick Martin and left tackle Julie’n Davenport, but overall the offensive could derail the entire season.

Houston doesn’t have much to worry about on the defensive side of the ball. That unit is littered with Pro Bowl talent. This is why it’s even more important that Hopkins keeps his cool and doesn’t force himself to the sidelines.

He’s the one player on the offensive side with years of proven production. Hopkins is the team’s go-to player and they need him to produce.