Ah, NFL training camp joint practices—the time of each year that wide receivers and defensive backs inevitably end up throwing fists. The latest to engage in the annual tradition: Houston's DeAndre Hopkins and San Francisco's Jimmie Ward.
During the Texans-49ers' joint practice, the two got mixed up and ended up throwing down. Ward delivered a physical press to Hopkins at the line of scrimmage and got his hands up near Nuk's facemask, knocking off his helmet. Hopkins caught the pass, and the two exchanged shoves—then all hell broke loose.
.@DeAndreHopkins and @49ers DB Jimmie Ward throw punches at @HoustonTexans training camp. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/I0Xw12g20Z
This happens often during training camp and shouldn't be taken too seriously, but NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Hopkins was sent away from the practice field because of the incident.
Appears DeAndre Hopkins got the boot from practice after that scrum with Jimmie Ward. Also, Jadevon Clooney just left on a cart. Didn’t seem overly serious.
Hopkins, DeShaun Watson' go-to target, is one of the league's best receivers. Last season, the 26-year-old former Clemson Tiger hauled in 96 passes for 1,378 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Ward, 27, was a first-round pick out of Northern Illinois in 2014. He finished last season with 32 tackles and a pass deflection after starting six games.
This doesn't even come close to knocking off Hopkins' battle with then-veteran Washington corner DeAngelo Hall in 2015 as his most entertaining joint-practice feud.
