The Browns needed a kicker and signed Riley Patterson to the practice squad Monday.
Dustin Hopkins, who’s a leading candidate to make his first Pro Bowl, injured his left (non-kicking) hamstring Sunday during the victory over the Texans. He was hurt in the second quarter chasing Dameon Pierce on a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Hopkins didn’t kick again.
Get ready for a Thursday night party … and other takeaways from victory No. 10
Patterson (6-foot, 195 pounds) is in his third NFL season. He’s appeared in 37 games with the Lions (2021 and 2023) and Jaguars (2022) and has made 58 of 66 field goals and 87 of 90 extra points.
He appeared in 13 games with the Lions this year, making 15 of 17 field goal attempts and 35 of 37 extra points. He was cut last week to clear a spot on the active roster.
The Browns (10-5) can clinch a playoff spot Thursday night with a win over the Jets (6-9) at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Due to the short week, the Browns had meetings Monday. They didn’t practice but had to submit an estimated participation report as if they did.
Hopkins, receiver Amari Cooper (rest/heel), left-footed punter Corey Bojorquez (left quadriceps), backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (hip), running back Kareem Hunt (groin), tight end David Njoku (rest/knee), defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (pectoral) and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (knee) were listed as didn’t practice.
Left guard Joel Bitonio (back/knee), left tackle Geron Christian (shoulder), cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (ankle), receiver Marquise Goodwin (knee), linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk (calf), center Ethan Pocic (stinger), right guard Wyatt Teller (ankle) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf) were listed as limited.
Thornhill has missed the last three games.
For the Jets, quarterbacks Zach Wilson (concussion) and Aaron Rodgers (Achilles), tackle Duane Brown (back), cornerback Justin Hardee (foot) and tight end Jeremy Ruckert (concussion) were listed as didn’t practice.
