The Saints filled up an open spot on their 10-man practice squad by signing free-agent kicker Dustin Hopkins.
Hopkins was a former 2013 sixth-round draft selection out of Florida State for Buffalo.
He made the team at the end of his rookie training camp over veteran Rian Lindell, but a groin injury to Hopkins’ kicking leg forced the Bills to sign Dan Carpenter.
Hopkins took longer than expected to recover, and Buffalo sent him to season-ending injured reserve. He tried out again for the Bills in 2014, but he lost out to Carpenter.
When he spoke to reporters on Wednesday, Hopkins said he hadn’t tried out for another team because he was focused on rehabbing the lingering injury “until a couple of weeks ago.”
Hopkins said the Saints were his first tryout since being let go by Buffalo. It’s relatively rare for NFL teams to stash kickers on their practice squad, and Hopkins said he hopes it indicates New Orleans has high expectations for him they think he can fulfill.
“I’m glad they gave me an opportunity,” said Hopkins, who claimed Houston as his hometown. “Obviously, there’s a lot of work to do.”
Hopkins worked out for the Saints last week alongside Garrett Hartley (now with Cleveland), Zach Hocker and Derek Dimke. Those four all worked out three days after Saints kicker Shayne Graham missed a field goal in New Orleans’ 41-10 defeat at home to the Carolina Panthers.
Saints coach Sean Payton said Hopkins “opened some eyes” during his workout.
As for Graham, who is on a one-year contract with the Saints, he then missed another field goal in the Saints’ win at Chicago on Monday night. He is 19-of-22 this season for the Saints (6-8), who can clinch a division title on Sunday with a win over Atlanta (5-9) and a loss by Carolina (5-8-1) over Cleveland (7-7).
The Saints’ practice squad as it stands is quarterback Ryan Griffin, wide receiver Brandon Coleman, running back Edwin Baker, fullback Toben Opurum, linebacker Jerry Franklin, tackle Tavon Rooks, tight end Orson Charles, wide receiver Willie Snead, guard Andrew Miller and Hopkins.