The Cleveland Browns are likely to be without kicker Dustin Hopkins for this Saturday’s playoff game against the Houston Texans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that it is unlikely that Hopkins will be available in Houston. Hopkins is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, which has resulted in missing the previous two games. Riley Patterson is expected to play in Hopkins’ place should he not be able to go. Patterson has made his lone field goal attempt and six of seven extra points during his time with the Browns.
A last-second addition acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Chargers at the end of the preseason, Hopkins took over for 2022 fourth-round pick Cade York, who fell out of favor rather quickly. The acquisition of Hopkins from Los Angeles has worked out for both sides. Hopkins has converted on 91.7% of his field goal attempts this season, a career-high. Meanwhile, the Browns have enjoyed having their best kicker since Phil Dawson.
Being without Hopkins for the Wild Card game against the Texans is not ideal. And while Hopkins has become a reliable kicker for the Browns, they should be able to overcome his absence for the time being. This is a Browns team that has sustained so many injuries to key players this season, and they have still found a way to win. What’s one more?
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