Dustin Hopkins is Unlikely To Play, But Browns Kicking Game Is In Good Hands
On Christmas Eve, Dustin Hopkins turned it up to full speed to chase down Dameon Pierce on a kickoff return. Instead of catching Pierce who finished in the endzone, Hopkins came up limp on the play.
In his chase, Hopkins suffered a hamstring injury to his kicking leg that was more than just a tweak. During the first Houston game, it caused a big issue for the Browns' special teams as they had no one else to place kick or kickoff for them.
Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) runs past Cleveland Browns place kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) to score a touchdown on a kickoff return during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
It didnt hurt them that day, but Hopkins has been sidelined since, leaving the Browns to deal with yet another injury issue.
In response to the injury, Andrew Berry did what Andrew Berry does, and went and picked up the best kicker available, Riley Patterson. In his first appearance, Patterson missed one extra point but has been nails since.
Historically, Patterson has been very good and should have Browns fans feeling good about the kicking situation.
Patterson carries these stats into Saturday's game:
- Career In a Dome: 39-40 Extra Points, 25-26 Field Goals
- Career In Playoffs: 4-4 Extra Points, 3-3 Field Goals
- Career vs. Houston: 4-4 Extra Points, 3-3 Field Goals
If there was any question mark about Patterson it is his distance. His career-long is 53 yards.
Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Riley Patterson (10) and punter Logan Cooke (9) react after the winning field goal as time expired against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter during a wild card game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Most importantly, Patterson has some pretty good and recent playoff experience. Just last year, he was the guy who completed the Jaguars' comeback against the Chargers by burying a 36-yard field goal as time expired to complete the comeback.
Yes, when Dustin Hopkins is healthy he will take back over the kicking duties, but until then, all faith in Riley Patterson.
