ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Buffalo rookie kicker Dustin Hopkins has been placed on season-ending injured reserve because of a right 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.
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 of 50-yards or longer.
