LANDOVER — Dustin Hopkins made four field goals and five extra-point attempts in the Washington Redskins’ 47-14 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, succeeding against the team that cut him at the conclusion of the preseason.
“I’m glad we took it to the team that let me go, but at the same time, I’ve got a lot of respect for the Saints organization,” said Hopkins, who was signed by the Redskins after the first week of the season. “They treated me well when I was there and they handled themselves with class.”
Hopkins, drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round in 2013, joined the Saints late last season. He was beat out in training camp by Zach Hocker, a sixth-round pick by the Redskins in 2014 who was then cut by New Orleans on Oct. 19.
His replacement was Kai Forbath, who was cut by the Redskins when Hopkins was signed. Forbath did not attempt a field goal but made both of his extra points on Sunday; only one of his three kickoff attempts went for a touchback.
Forbath spent time before the game chatting with former Redskins players and coaches. So, too, did Hopkins, who said he developed a close friendship with punter Thomas Morstead and several other players during his time with the Saints.
Hopkins made attempts from 35, 23, 40 and 22 yards on Sunday and has now made 16 of his first 17 field goal tries.
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“I wasn’t trying to treat this game any different,” Hopkins said. “It’s a business, and I realize that. No one likes to lose a job at any point in time, so I wanted to win, you know? Obviously, I’m glad we did it and in the fashion we did it in, but at the same time, it was good to see some guys.”
Hall returns, steps in at safety
Cornerback DeAngelo Hall returned after missing six games because of a torn plantar plate in his right foot. He played roughly a dozen snaps, all at safety and almost all in third-down situations.
Hall, 31 and in his 13th season, has long said he would desire finishing out his career as a free safety.
“I mean, it’s a little different, you know, but it’s fun,” said Hall, who was injured in a Week 3 loss at the New York Giants. “Opportunity to make some plays. If they feel like I can help out by doing that [I’ll do it].”
Chris Culliver and Bashaud Breeland played most of the defensive snaps as outside corners, with Will Blackmon and Kyshoen Jarrett continuing to rotate into the game as well.
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Hightower back after three seasons
Saints running back Tim Hightower had his first carries in over four years, running 11 times for 46 yards.
Hightower played on special teams in a loss to the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 8, which was his first game since Oct. 23, 2011. While playing for the Redskins, Hightower tore the ACL in his left knee in a game against the Carolina Panthers and later developed an infection in the knee that delayed his recovery.
He was with the Redskins in training camp in 2012, but was cut before the preseason ended.
Morris, Jackson leave with injuries
Running back Alfred Morris, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and inside linebacker Will Compton all left the game with injuries but were able to return. Morris injured his ribs, Jackson took a knee to the helmet from Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis and Compton sustained an unspecified arm injury. Strong safety Trenton Robinson also left the game late after he injured a hamstring.
Inside linebacker Keenan Robinson (stinger) and wide receiver Andre Roberts (unspecified ankle injury) were inactive after sustaining injuries in the loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, left guard Arie Kouandjio, defensive end Frank Kearse, tight end Anthony McCoy and cornerback Quinton Dunbar were healthy scratches.
Coleman to be honored by Redskins
Monte Coleman, a linebacker who played for the Redskins from 1979 through 1994, will be inducted into the Redskins’ “Ring of Fame” at halftime of their game against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 20. Coleman played in all four of the Redskins’ Super Bowls and, since 2007, has been the coach at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. … By defeating the Saints, the Redskins won their fourth consecutive home game for the first time since 2012. … Washington went 96 yards on 10 plays on the first drive of the game, marking the first time they’ve gone that far and scored since a 97-yard scoring drive on Dec. 3, 2000. … Jordan Reed became the first Redskins tight end to catch a touchdown pass in three consecutive games since Fred Davis did so in 2009.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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