ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — 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.
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.
