Northern Ireland’s Charlie Smyth is poised to make his NFL debut for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 24-year-old, who transitioned from Gaelic football, has been promoted to the Saints’ active roster following the release of kicker Blake Grupe.
Grupe’s departure comes after he struggled in the previous game, missing two field goals in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, marking his seventh and eighth unsuccessful attempts this season. To bolster their kicking unit, the Saints earlier signed Cade York, a former kicker for Cincinnati, Washington, and Cleveland, to their practice squad. However, after recent evaluations, the team decided to elevate Smyth for his inaugural game in the NFL regular season.
Smyth made a strong impression during the preseason by successfully converting all four of his field-goal attempts, including two kicks from over 50 yards. In addition to Smyth’s promotion, the Saints have also moved wide receiver Dante Pettis from the practice squad to the active roster, aiming to enhance their offensive capabilities as they face the Dolphins.
This opportunity marks a significant milestone for Smyth, reflecting his hard work and talent, and offers a sense of hope for fans as he embarks on his professional football journey. The Saints continue to roster new talents, indicating a dynamic evolution within the team as they strive for success in the current season.