Despite the Redskins headed toward a second consecutive playoff absence, the team will bring its kicker back for this season’s final games.
Washington activated Dustin Hopkins from injured reserve on Saturday. He will replace kicker Nick Rose, whom the team waived, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
A strained muscle in Hopkins’ hip resulted in the IR placement, but he’ll be back in time for Week 15. This is Hopkins’ third NFL season; he’d kicked in 31 Redskins regular-season games prior to appearing in just five thus far this season.
Rose fared well in Hopkins’ absence, making 10 of 11 field goal tries. He made 18 of 20 extra point attempts in the eight games since being summoned to replace the incumbent. He’ll now head to waivers and could well warrant an opportunity as a free agent at some point soon if unclaimed.