Browns Elevate Special Teams Duo Ahead Of Thursday’s Contest

The Cleveland Browns have announced the elevation of two special teams players for Thursday night’s matchup with the New York Jets. Punter Matt Haack and kicker Riley Patterson appear to be ready to step in for the injured Dustin Hopkins and Corey Bojoquez.

Hopkins is dealing with a hamstring injury that came during Sunday’s win over the Texans. The injury came while Hopkins was trying to chase down Houston’s Dameon Pierce on what would be a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown. Hopkins was unable to return, resulting in Cleveland having to attempt two-point conversions on their next three touchdowns. Bojorquez has a quad injury, and it appears that he will not be available to play on the short week.

Patterson has appeared in 37 games over three seasons with the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars. The 24-year-old kicker has made 58 of his 66 career field goal attempts and 87 of 90 extra-point attempts. Patterson saw his second stint with the Lions come to an end in mid-December, being replaced by Michael Badgley.

Haack has appeared in 98 games in six seasons with three different teams. The 29-year-old punter has not appeared in a game this season. Haack was with the Arizona Cardinals this past summer, with the team eventually releasing him in late August.

Do not be surprised to see the Browns be more aggressive when it comes to 4th down decisions Thursday night. Kevin Stefanski is already willing to go for it on a fairly regular basis, but having to add two special teams players on the fly may lead to taking more chances.