Buffalo Bills place rookie PK Dustin Hopkins on IR because of groin injury
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Buffalo rookie kicker Dustin Hopkins has been placed on season-ending injured reserve because of a groin injury sustained last month.
Bills coach Doug Marrone announced the move Monday, saying Hopkins was having difficulty kicking off in practice. The Bills also needed to free up a roster spot to promote quarterback Thad Lewis off of the practice squad.
Lewis was activated Monday, and will start against Cincinnati on Sunday in place of injured rookie EJ Manuel.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Hopkins is a sixth-round draft pick out of Florida State. He beat out veteran Rian Lindell during training camp before being hurt in practice a week before the opener.
Dan Carpenter, a sixth-year player, has been solid filling in for Hopkins, having hit 11 of 12 field-goal attempts, including two 50-yards or longer.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org