Will DeAndre Hopkins play for the Chiefs against Raiders in Week 8?

The burning question for the Kansas City Chiefs entering a new week following their win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7 was whether or not they would finally find help at wide receiver. Injuries took their toll week to week, and even though KC was undefeated, it became increasingly difficult to imagine an offense going to war in Week 8 with the scraps remaining on the roster.

Luckily, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach answered the call and provided a major boost with a trade to the Tennessee Titans before the NFL trade deadline. He gave up a fifth-round pick in exchange for veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins.

While the signing of Hopkins is undoubtedly a big win for a team that has lost so many reliable targets on offense, the timing made it questionable how much of an impact he could have in the short term. Specifically, would Hopkins play during Raiders week?

The Chiefs are scheduled to visit the Raiders in Week 8 in their first of two division games this season. While most would normally gloss over this game given the talent difference, the truth is that any rivalry game between these teams is a must-see, and just last Christmas, Vegas pulled off an upset in the face to help interim coach Antonio Pierce keep his job.

The good news is that Hopkins is expected to play. Exactly how much that is is still unclear, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has made it clear that they will allow Hopkins to wear the suit. In fact, Reid said it best: “Why wait, right?”

Reid is exactly right. The Chiefs announced Monday that they will be without wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster this week due to a hamstring injury. This follows his breakthrough attempt to replace Rashee Rice, who was ruled out for the season in Week 4, and after Hollywood Brown was also ruled out for the year in the preseason.

Before acquiring Hopkins, the Chiefs had to rely heavily on rookie Xavier Worthy or hope for far better performances from Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson than any team ever should. Even Skyy Moore was placed on injured reserve after undergoing core muscle surgery — if that says anything about the health of the team's wide receiver room.

Hopkins didn't arrive in Kansas City until midweek, so it will be interesting to see how much he plays. On the one hand, he might not be able to find the restrooms in Arrowhead. Then again, he's played in the NFL at an All-Pro level for years and has 12 years of experience at the highest level – he should be fine, right?

Expect the instincts of a great wide receiver acquisition to overcome his lack of familiarity with his Cheifs teammates and begin developing quick chemistry between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce on Sunday. The Chiefs need it.