Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins is ruled out for the remainder of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans with a hamstring injury, potentially impacting Cleveland’s offensive strategy on Sunday. According to Houston-based journalist John McClain, Hopkins sustained his injury while chasing Texans running back Dameon Pierce on his 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and as of this writing, that play has accounted for the only points on Houston’s ledger against the Browns.
Cleveland hasn’t had to rely on the kicking game outside of extra points thus far, seeing two of those from Hopkins prior to the injury. Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has accounted for two touchdown passes while also throwing two interceptions, and running back Jerome Ford has also put up a score on the ground as Cleveland’s leading rusher on the day.
Houston’s offense, on the other hand, has struggled against the Browns’ stout defense, especially in the absence of quarterback C.J. Stroud who is still in concussion protocol. Case Keenum, tasked with taking snaps for the Texans in Stroud’s stead, has yet to reach the century mark in passing and has thrown one interception.
Leave a Reply