Chiefs' Reid says Hopkins could play Sunday: 'Why wait?'

It might not be long before Kansas City Chiefs fans see new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in action.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid left the door open for the receiver to make his team debut Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Why wait, right?" Reid said Thursday, according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star.

The undefeated Chiefs acquired the former Tennessee Titans receiver earlier this week. Kansas City reportedly sent a 2025 fifth-round draft pick that becomes a fourth-round selection if the Chiefs make the Super Bowl and Hopkins plays 60% of snaps with his new team.

The five-time Pro Bowler spoke with the media for the first time Thursday, expressing excitement about the opportunity to team up with Patrick Mahomes.

"I've always been a fan of Pat," Hopkins said, adding, "One of the best to do it, so looking forward to going out there, playing with him."

Hopkins, who'll wear No. 8 in homage to late basketball star Kobe Bryant, also shared his appreciation for the Titans following the trade.

"I've got to thank (Titans general manager) Ran (Carthon) and his staff for trading me to a contender, first of all. Because those guys could've traded me anywhere," Hopkins said.

Hopkins gives the Chiefs' receiving room a much-needed boost in talent. The team lost Rashee Rice to a season-ending injury, while Hollywood Brown is sidelined for at least the rest of the regular season. JuJu Smith-Schuster is also dealing with a hamstring injury.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is most looking forward to utilizing Hopkins' reliable hands, stating that he has "the least amount of drops in the history of the NFL," per ESPN's Adam Teicher.

Hopkins caught only 15 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown in a Titans offense that has struggled this season. The 32-year-old is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he registered 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven scores.