Buffalo Bills roster cuts: Dustin Hopkins released in first bloodletting

The Buffalo Bills have completed trimming their roster this morning by releasing 11 players, including former sixth-round draft pick Dustin Hopkins.

Hopkins was in an uphill battle after the team re-signed Dan Carpenter to an extension this offseason. He was the team's sixth-rounder in 2013. He is the only former Bills draft pick released today without ever playing a game. He was placed on injured reserve prior to his rookie season with a groin injury.

Derek Brim, Dennis Dixon, Jake Dombrowski, Tori Gurley, Jajuan Harley, Damien Jacobs, Macky MacPherson, Chris Summers, J.J. 'Unga, and Ronnie Wingo were the other 10 players released today.

Wingo appeared in two games for Buffalo in 2013, gaining four yards on a single rushing attempt. 'Unga was also on the active roster in 2013, but didn't see any game action. They are the only players cut today that have appeared on a Bills game day roster.

Dixon was running as the fourth-team quarterback after spending most of last season on the Bills' practice squad. He had one series of work this preseason, literally fumbling away his chances of making a dent in the quarterback competition.

In addition to Carpenter winning the kicking competition, the release of Dombrowski would indicate Brian Moorman is a virtual lock to return for his 14th season as Buffalo's punter.

The Bills are now down to 75 players. The next round of cuts is August 30th by 4 p.m. when teams need to be at a maximum of 53 men. All the players released today are eligible for the 10-man practice squad once the final cuts are made.