NFL Player News

Prater converted both of his field-goal attempts and both of his PATs during Sunday's 20-19 victory over Carolina.

Prater's day could've been even bigger had a delay of game penalty not forced the Lions to punt after the team initially lined up for a 58-yard field goal attempt. Prater was otherwise perfect from 32- and 54-yards out. Look for the veteran to again be one of the most trusted kickers in the league in Week 12 against the Bears.

Hopkins (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Hopkins managed one limited practice this week -- Friday -- after which he told John Keim of ESPN.com that he planned to "give it a go. ... It [the groin] was pain-free." The Redskins clearly agreed, signing no replacement kicker in the meantime. Hopkins thus will face a Houston team that has allowed 7.0 real-life points per contest to kickers during its current six-game winning streak.

Hopkins (groin) said he's pain-free and expects to play in Sunday's game against the Texans, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Despite his stated confidence, Hopkins is listed as questionable on the Redskins' final injury report for Week 11. The possibility of an absence will need to be seriously considered if the Redskins sign another kicker Friday or Saturday. With the banged-up Washington offense facing a tough Houston defense, Hopkins doesn't profile as a top-12 fantasy option at his position this week.

Tavecchio will be inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys but will remain on the Falcons' 53-man roster for the time being, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Matt Bryant (hamstring) has been cleared to return from a three-game absence and will reprise his usual duties as the Falcons' kicker, but the team apparently wants to see the veteran in a game setting again before moving on from Tavecchio. Should Bryant suffer a setback Sunday, Tavecchio would represent a good insurance policy after converting all five of his field-goal attempts and all eight of his extra-point tries while Bryant was sidelined.

Bryant (hamstring) will handle the kicking duties for the Falcons in Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

Bryant made it through a full practice Thursday without any setbacks, allowing him to end his streak of absences at three games. He's immediately worthy of consideration in fantasy lineups, given his strong track record in terms of both kicking accuracy and distance in addition to his place on a high-scoring team. Giorgio Tavecchio filled in admirably while Bryant was sidelined and is expected to remain on the roster through the weekend in the event Bryant suffers a recurrence of the hamstring issue Sunday.

Bryant (hamstring) practiced in full Thursday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to the session, coach Dan Quinn said Bryant was slated to kick, per Jason Butt of The Athletic. Bryant proceeded to do so, but the Falcons may exercise caution with the 43-year-old before making a final decision on the placekicker for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys. If Bryant gets the all-clear, the Falcons may waive his fill-in (Georgio Tavecchio) to shore up other positions on the roster.

Hopkins (groin) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post reports.

Hopkins' absence was expected after coach Jay Gruden said the kicker would be held out until Friday before testing out the health of his groin. If the injury is still affecting Hopkins at that point, the team could sign another kicker to the roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Texans. Given his shaky health and the fact that he's supported by a rather low-powered Washington offense, Hopkins doesn't profile as a strong fantasy option in Week 11.

Bryant (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

Bryant has missed three consecutive games due to a lingering hamstring issue and his absence from Wednesday's practice leaves his availability for Week 11 against the Cowboys in question. If the veteran kicker is unable to suit up Sunday, Giorgio Tavecchio -- who has yet to miss a kick in his three games with the team -- will continue to serve as Bryant's replacement.

Hopkins was held out of Wednesday's practice with a groin injury, Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post reports.

Coach Jay Gruden said Hopkins will return to practice Friday to test out his groin. The team hasn't yet signed another kicker, but it may need to do so before Sunday's game against the Texans if Hopkins fails to progress as anticipated. Hopkins has been solid yet unspectacular this season, scoring at least six points in eight of nine games.

Butker connected on both of his field-goal attempts and his extra-point attempts Sunday against the Cardinals.

Butker settled back Sunday after missing a pair of extra points the last two weeks. He remains one of the top kicking options in fantasy playing for one of the best offenses in the league, though a tough matchup awaits the Rams in Week 11.