You can’t have joint practices in training camp without hands getting thrown. During a dual-practice between the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and cornerback Jimmie Ward got chippy, as Ward knocked off Hopkins’ helmet during their one-on-one interaction. Even though he made the catch, Hopkins was not pleased about Ward removing his helmet, shoving him, and then taking a swing at the defensive back.
First play with Texans receivers vs 49ers secondary, @DeAndreHopkins gets into a scrap! pic.twitter.com/lTrpuq6ZJe
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) August 15, 2018
Ward didn’t take too kindly to Hopkins’ throwing a punch at him, so he returned the favor. Both players continued to throw haymakers at one another while their teammates tried to break it up. Ward was having none of it, as he tackled Hopkins to the ground and both were essentially swallowed by the sea of Houston and San Fran players.
Hopkins and Ward were ejected for the remainder of practice, as the coaches have a zero tolerance policy on fights.
This is nothing new in training camp, as joint practices always get heated, especially when you’re lining up against your competition later on in the week.
We will keep an eye on Saturday, as we could have the opportunity to see Hopkins-Ward II during their preseason matchup.
