DeAndre Hopkins valued work with 49ers’ Richard Sherman, discusses scuffle with Jimmie Ward

The biggest story from Wednesday's joint practice between the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans surrounded the punches thrown between defensive back Jimmy Ward and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Both players were benched for the remainder of practice, but there are no hard feelings between the two. Ward and Hopkins even shook hands before leaving the practice field.

"Jimmie is such a big competitor, and I'm sure he regrets it," 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said after Wednesday's practice.

Hopkins was asked about the scuffle after Thursday morning's practice session, the last between the two squads before they meet at NRG Stadium on Saturday night for an exhibition game.

"A little scuffle," Hopkins told reporters after Thursday's practice. "Basically a little game of tic-tac-toe. It's football. That's my friend. That's football. It's nothing more than us just out here playing football."

Both Ward and Hopkins returned to practice on Thursday. Because of the scuffle, it was the latter's first real opportunity to go against the 49ers defensive backs, which is mostly made up of young talent.

"You can't complain when you're going up against a bunch of guys that are hungry," Hopkins said. "Young guys that are competing out there."

One 49ers defensive back isn't a "young guy" by NFL standards. Cornerback Richard Sherman is entering his eighth season in the league and is well-respected by his peers — even those on opposing teams. Hopkins is one of those players who values any input Sherman is willing to offer.

Sherman, who is recovering from a hamstring strain, is not likely to play on Saturday against the Texans and the 49ers are trying to limit his practice reps.

"Sherm wants to get out there, and that's what we love about him," 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Thursday morning. "That's what makes him Richard Sherman, is that will and he doesn't want to let his teammates down. We're trying to think of the big picture. We need him healthy come Minnesota, our opener, and throughout the year."

Sherman and Hopkins stayed after practice on Thursday to put in a little bit of work.

"I got a little work with Sherman at the end," Hopkins said, "just kind of go over some stuff that I need to work on."

Hopkins is a veteran himself. He has played five full seasons in the NFL and eclipsed 1,200 receiving yards in three of those years. That doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement.

"It's always good to up against a veteran guy because he can tell your weaknesses," Hopkins said. "He's going to tell you after what you need to work on. So, going up against guys like that, it helps me stay on top of my game."

Texans head coach Bill O'Brien feels the work between Hopkins and Sherman is advantageous for both players.

"I think any time you get veteran players that have seen a lot of different schemes, a lot of different skill sets and they can talk about it on the side and things like that, I think it's really good," O'Brien said on Thursday. "That's one of the many things that's good about a joint practice."