DeAndre Hopkins' Updated Fantasy Outlook After Andre Johnson's Shin Injury

Andre Johnson was forced to leave the Houston Texans' Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a leg injury. As a result, DeAndre Hopkins' fantasy value has a chance to skyrocket depending on the severity of the ailment.   

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle provided an update on Johnson:

The Texans had been searching for a complement to Johnson for a couple years before finally finding Hopkins, who's filled the void well. He had 12 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown in the team's first two games.

His ability to attract attention from the opposing secondary allowed Johnson to post even bigger numbers. The veteran superstar had 20 catches for over 220 yards through two weeks and five more grabs before leaving due to the injury.

If Johnson is forced to miss any action beyond the remaining portion of today's game, Hopkins' role in the offense figures to increase significantly. Johnson was averaging nearly 15 targets per game through two weeks, and those looks will have to go elsewhere, a high percentage likely to the rookie.

The Texans used a first-round selection on the Clemson product, so they clearly believed he could handle the responsibility of stepping right into the lineup. He proved capable of that and now could get tested even further.

Keep tabs on Johnson's status, but Hopkins is on the verge of being a must-start fantasy option, especially in PPR formats.