Rams lose only backup tight end, Brycen Hopkins, to three-game suspension
Rams tight end Brycen Hopkins has been suspended for three games for violating the NFL’s policy on substances of abuse, the league announced Wednesday in a statement distributed by the Rams.
Hopkins, a third-year pro, cannot return to the active roster until after the Rams’ Oct. 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Hopkins, a fourth-round draft pick in 2020 from Purdue, was inactive for much of his first two seasons but stepped up with a dynamic performance in the Super Bowl. His development led to the Rams carrying only two tight ends on their 53-man roster, veteran Tyler Higbee and Hopkins.
Hopkins was in for four plays on offense in a season-opening defeat to the Buffalo Bills and four plays in last Sunday’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He has not been targeted in the passing game.
Jared Pinkney and Roger Carter Jr. are tight ends on the practice squad.
The Rams won but they lost another offensive lineman for the season, and now the secondary could be down two cornerbacks ahead of NFC West road showdown with Arizona.
The Rams (1-1) play the Arizona Cardinals (1-1) on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
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