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Texans' Hopkins confident new contract will come in time

Scott Halleran / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Houston Texans star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins opted to end his holdout after just one day Sunday, reportedly returning with the understanding the club will only negotiate with him if he's in the building.

The Texans made their displeasure with his decision clear, and with little leverage to gain by staying away - and a lot to lose, with a $445,000 bonus reportedly due Aug. 4 - Hopkins reported to camp Monday.

The 24-year-old expressed his excitement about getting back on the field and said he understands his contract situation will sort itself out.

"I play football for a living," Hopkins said in a press conference after practice Monday, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com. "That's my job, that's what I love doing. I love coming out here and being with my teammates. I've just got to keep working. I know it will come. I'm not rushing it. I know it'll happen one day."

Hopkins denied the decision to hold out was motivated by a desire to highlight his displeasure to the Texans.

"I wasn't trying to send a message. I was trying to do what's best for my family and myself," Hopkins said.

The former first-round pick has two years remaining on his rookie deal and is set to make $1 million in base salary this season.

In the past, the Texans have given extensions to their first-round selections at this point in their careers, meaning a deal could still be possible before the start of the season.

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