Sad news for Browns: Kevin Stefanski insist Cleveland can not make playoff without key man

It is hard to imagine when the Cleveland Browns acquired kicker Dustin Hopkins in a trade on August 28 with the Chargers for a 2025 seventh-round pick, that Hopkins would break Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown’s all-time scoring record in one season.

Unfortunately, Hopkins hit two extra points to start the game to get to 123 points, but then pulled a hamstring trying to make a tackle on a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

The Browns were forced to go for two points the remainder of the game after the 11:51 mark in the second quarter. The Browns had numerous chances to kick field goals the remainder of the game, but went for it on fourth down on six occasions.

There was no update as of yet, but Kevin Stefanski said that Hopkins will get an MRI.

“We’ll see,” Stefanski sad. “I don’t know. Obviously, we’ll get an MRI and see.”

If Hopkins is unable to play on Thursday with the short week, the Browns will have to make a move.

“We have options,” he said. “They might not be good ones.”

Last week, Hopkins made two field goals in the win over the Bears, including a 34-yard game-winner with 32 seconds remaining. He has four game-winning field goals this season and has converted on 33-of-36 field goals this season.

Hopkins’ 33 made field goals are the most by a Brown in a season, eclipsing the previous record set by Phil Dawson with 30 in 2008. Hopkins has scored 121 points this season, the second-most by a Brown in a season.

Jim Brown has the all-time franchise record for points in one season with 126, leaving Hopkins just five points from reaching that goal.

Stefanski is impressed with what Hopkins has accomplished in a short time.

“Yeah. A guy that has come through for us when we need him, we trust him,” Stefanski said. “He’s been a weapon for us on kickoff as well. And then off the field, I think he just fits in really well with who we are. He’s a really good person, a great teammate. Excited to have him.”

Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone cannot say enough about what Hopkins has meant to the Browns this season.

“He’s been a great player for us,” Ventrone said. “The execution has been at a high level, and fortunately, he’s made a lot of his kicks. And like I said before, I think he’s done a tremendous job for our team and the confidence he has in our coaching staff, the head coach, GM, owners.

“He’s earned every bit of credit he deserves, and I think he should really be, in my mind, get every accolade you could get,” he said. “I think he’s done a really good job and he’s earned it. So he’s been great for us. He’s had a special year.”