Overview

• In his NFL regular-season debut, Andre Szmyt missed a third-quarter extra point and a late 36-yard attempt that would have put Cleveland ahead in a one-point loss to Cincinnati.
• Stefanski said he is not bringing in competition this week and praised Szmyt’s strong camp, indicating the kicker is not currently in danger of being replaced.
• Local coverage faulted roster planning under GM Andrew Berry, arguing decisions left Cleveland without a proven veteran or obvious contingency at kicker.
• The scrutiny traces to Dustin Hopkins’ arc: a 2023 career-best followed by a 2024 slump to 18-of-27, a three-year extension that preceded his Aug. 26 release, and nearly $5 million in dead cap.
• Teammates publicly backed Szmyt, who arrived from the UFL and had uneven college accuracy, as the team faces immediate pressure to stabilize special teams.