My guess is that he wanted Hoff to set the stage for a possible 60 yard attempt sometime later this season. Wanted to see if Sterling could drill a long one in game conditions.I thought the same, but I wonder if there's more to it than that.
Can't be too many instances in history of a healthy Groza Award winner staying on the bench while his punter attempts a field goal that, to the best of my knowledge, is within his range. (I think he hit a 52- or 53-yarder last year but might be mistaken.)