NFL Player News

The Bills signing of kicker Dan Carpenter was prompted by kicker Dustin Hopkins suffering a groin injury during practice Monday, according to ESPN. Bills coach Doug Marrone made no mention of Hopkins' injury during his post-practice Monday news conference.

The Cleveland Browns finalized their 53-man roster Saturday by terminating the contract of kicker Shayne Graham. They also placed wide receiver Josh Gordon on the Reserve/Suspended List by the NFL.

In addition, the Browns waived the following 13 players from the roster: OL Aaron Adams; DB Akeem Auguste; K Brandon Bogotay; LB Justin Cole; RB Jamaine Cook; DL Hall Davis; WR Tori Gurley; LB James-Michael Johnson; WR David Nelson; WR Naaman Roosevelt; DL Brian Sanford; DB Jamoris Slaughter; and LB Justin Staples.

The Jets parted ways with kicker Dan Carpenter on Friday, according to the New York Daily News. Carpenter signed with the Jets on Tuesday after being released by the Cardinals.

Nick Folk will earn the starting job for the Jets in Week 1 against the Buccaneers.

As expected, Falcons defensive back Asante Samuel (thigh), linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quad) and kicker Matt Bryant (back) were all held out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Jaguars due to injuries. The Falcons will open the season at New Orleans on Sept. 8. 

Why did punter Spencer Lanning attempt (and miss) a field goal for the Browns late in the first quarter at Chicago? Because placekicker Shayne Graham hurt his back and his return is questionable, the Chicago Tribune is reporting.

The Browns still have placekicker Brandon Bogotay on the roster.

The Packers released kicker Zach Ramirez Tuesday, indicating Mason Crosby has won the starting placekicking job. Giorgio Tavecchio was released Monday, but the Packers have said Tavecchio could be brought back to Green bay.

The Jets announced Tuesday they released kicker Billy Cundiff and signed Dan Carpenter, who will now compete with Nick Folk for the starting placekicker job. Cundiff, who was signed July 23, was a perfect 3 for 3 on field goals and 4 for 4 on extra points during the preseason.

Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday kicker Matt Bryant (back) is working with the trainers and expected to be ready for the season opener (Sept. 8) at New Orleans.

The Packers announced Monday they released kicker Giorgio Tavecchio, who was 1 for 2 on field goal attempts in two preseason games. The kicking competition is down to Mason Crosby and Zach Ramirez, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Falcons kicker Matt Bryant missed Saturday's preseason game against the Titans due to stiffness in his back, the team's official site reports. Bryant is going to be questionable for the rest of the preseason and is likely to be fine when the regular season begins.