Cleveland Browns Facing Challenges: Dustin Hopkins’ Struggles and Injury Woes

The Cleveland Browns faced a significant defeat against the New Orleans Saints, losing by a 21-point margin in their Week 11 NFL game. Although the team has multiple areas to improve, an ongoing concern centers around the performance of their kicker, Dustin Hopkins.

According to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, Hopkins entered the game with a 14-for-18 field goal record and had missed only two of his 12 extra-point attempts this season. However, his performance against the Saints was disappointing, as he missed both a 51-yard and a 27-yard field goal attempt. Hopkins took responsibility for his shortcomings, saying, «I expect better for my teammates, I expect better for the city of Cleveland. It does not feel good being the weak link in a football game.»

The Cleveland Browns had extended Hopkins’ contract before the season for three years at $15.9 million. Despite his experience and past success, his current 70% field goal success rate ranks him last among active NFL kickers. Browns’ head coach, Kevin Stefanski, was clear about the importance of improvement, stating, «Certainly, we expect him to make those kicks. He expects himself to make those kicks.»

On a broader note, the Browns endured a challenging fourth quarter against the Saints, where they allowed 21 points and ultimately lost 35-14. This defeat marked their eighth loss of the season, ahead of a crucial divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Addressing the media, Stefanski remarked, «These Thursday night games don’t allow you really to spend much time thinking about the previous one.»

With a turnaround game approaching, the Browns are also dealing with a series of injuries. Offensive tackle Dawand Jones suffered a fractured fibula and will require surgery. Stefanski indicated that the Browns would evaluate how Jones’ limited game and practice time frame his future role on the team. In addition, tight end David Njoku is entering the NFL’s concussion protocol, ruling him out for the next game.

Furthermore, cornerbacks Denzel Ward and another unnamed player face day-to-day assessments due to rib, ankle, and shoulder injuries respectively. The team will return to practice on Tuesday, November 19, to prepare for their upcoming game against the Steelers, where further injury updates are anticipated.