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The Washington Redskins will release Kai Forbath, and sign former New Orleans Saints kicker Dustin Hopkins. Hopkins was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 6th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but was placed on injured reserve his rookie year due to a groin injury. The following year he lost a kicking competition to Dan Carpenter. He signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad later that year, and entered the 2015 offseason as a contender for the place kicker position on the Saints. But former Washington Redskins 7th Round draft pick Zach Hocker beat him out for the job. Hocker went 4-4 in his NFL debut with the Saints yesterday, and now Hopkins will sign with the Redskins.
Kai Forbath came to the Washington Redskins as a replacement for Billy Cundiff. He set the record for most consecutive field goals to start an NFL career with 17 and it looked like the Redskins had found their kicker. Forbath went 60 of 69 on FGs (87%), and 91 of 93 on XPs (97.8%). An issue that continued to throughout his time with the Redskins was his kickoffs, and their lack of resulting touchbacks. Forbath went to great lengths to improve them using a different shoe, and changing his technique which reportedly led to a groin injury. "Cobra" Kai's time in Washington ends after going 1-2 in yesterday's season opening loss to the Miami Dolphins, missing a 46 yarder and making one from 45 yards out.
Redskins plan to release kicker Kai Forbath and sign former Saints and Bills kicker Dustin Hopkins, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 14, 2015
Forbath's good FG % overlooks KO % in a touchback driven league. 2015 - 33% (1-3), 2014 - 33% (18-54), 2013 - 24% (14-57), '12 24% (15-62)
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania621) September 14, 2015
Additionally, the team has released OLB Houston Bates and re-signed DL Frank Kearse. With OLB Jackson Jeffcoat recovering from his thigh injury, there was no longer a need for Bates on the roster.