Hopkins' fate with Bills hinges on specialist role

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Last season, Dan Carpenter was brought in as an injury replacement for Buffalo Bills kicker Dustin Hopkins, following his release by the Miami Dolphins. He subsequently put up career bests in field goal percentage and points in 2014 and was awarded a four-year contract for his efforts.

While a kick-off with the younger Hopkins seemed like a given this season now that the team has begun training camp, coach Doug Marrone quashed those thoughts Tuesday, looking instead to ride the Carpenter wave in terms of field goal duties.

"He has to play his way on to this roster as a kickoff specialist," Marrone said of Hopkins, who reportedly hasn't attempted a field goal yet in the team's first three camp sessions.