The Cleveland Browns added another kicker to the practice squad in Andre Szmyt, and that likely signals the end of the season for Dustin Hopkins.
Signing Riley Patterson to their practice squad two weeks ago, the Browns tried to give Hopkins the rest of the year off to get his head straight. However, after a season-ending injury to their kicker, the Atlanta Falcons signed Patterson off of Cleveland’s practice squad, leading the Browns to add another.
The Browns were then forced to trot Hopkins back out onto the field against the Cincinnati Bengals. It did not go well as Hopkins missed another kick, this time an extra point.
When asked about their plan for Hopkins and the kicking situation against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone stated the team is “working through” their options, a similar answer they gave two weeks ago when they elevated Patterson to the gameday roster and scratched Hopkins.
We won’t get any news until tomorrow about who the Browns will elevate from the practice squad to their gameday roster but do not be surprised to see Szmyt’s name listed.
If the Browns have anything to say about it, Hopkins’ season is over.