CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns will be without kicker Dustin Hopkins for Thursday night’s game against the New York Jets — and maybe longer — because of a left hamstring injury as they try to clinch a playoff berth.
Hopkins, who has been one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers in his first season with the Browns (10-5), got hurt in Sunday’s win at Houston as he chased Texans returner Dameon Pierce on a 98-yard touchdown.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Hopkins is “week to week” with his injury, the latest for a Cleveland team ravaged by injuries all season.
The Browns signed kicker Riley Patterson on Monday and he’ll take over for Hopkins, who has made 33 of 36 field goals and all eight attempts beyond 50 yards.
Patterson has appeared in 37 games for Detroit and Jacksonville. He’s made 58 of 66 field-goal attempts.
Also, Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been placed on injured reserve with a hip injury sustained against the Texans. Thompson-Robinson made three starts for Cleveland, which is on its fourth starting QB (Joe Flacco) because of injuries.
Cleveland’s also got punting issues.
Corey Bojorquez injured the quadriceps in his left kicking leg on Sunday and his status for Thursday is not yet known. Bojorquez is also the Browns’ holder, complicating matters.
The team signed punter Matt Haack to the practice squad as insurance in case Bojorquez can’t play. Haack has played with Miami, Buffalo and Indianapolis.
