Chargers' Dustin Hopkins kicks OT field goal winner on injured hamstring

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Dustin Hopkins kicked a 39-yard field goal through the uprights, then the Los Angeles Chargers kicker fell in apparent discomfort to the SoFi Stadium turf.

Teammates quickly lifted Hopkins to celebrate, and at least for a few minutes, the Bolts kicker didn't appear in pain any longer.

It was a welcome reprieve after a trying effort in a 19-16 overtime victory against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.

«Before every kick, you knew that it was going to feel like somebody stabbed you with a knife,» Hopkins said of the right hamstring injury he suffered in the first half. «I was just kind of committed to swinging and dealing with the pain after the kick.»

After feeling a «pop and pain» during his first extra-point attempt early in the second quarter, Hopkins went on to convert 4-of-4 field goal attempts, including a 37-, 31- and 35-yard kick, along with the 39-yard game winner.

Following each kick, Hopkins would stumble and crouch to his knee because of the pain.

«I'm aware I was doing it, but it wasn't a conscious thing,» Hopkins said. «It was just my body doing it.»

«You can't say enough about him hanging in there,» said coach Brandon Staley, whose Chargers improve to 4-2 and are tied with the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West.

Hopkins' status moving forward is unclear. He said he had an idea what the injury entailed but declined to share specifics.

The Chargers did not have a backup kicker active Monday night, and as the offense sputtered behind quarterback Justin Herbert attempting 57 passes but throwing no touchdowns, it became apparent that a kicker would be needed to win.

«We know that he is hurting,» said Herbert, who passed for 238 yards with an interception. «For him to go out there