Head coach Kellen Moore confirms Charlie Smyth will start at kicker for the New Orleans Saints this Sunday.
The New Orleans Saints have confirmed that Charlie Smyth will return as their starting placekicker for Sunday's upcoming NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at the Caesars Superdome. Head coach Kellen Moore made the announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday.
This roster shift comes after the franchise decided to terminate the contract of veteran kicker Daniel Carlson earlier in the week following a run of inconsistent performances on the field. Carlson struggled with a 66% success rate from 12 field goal attempts during the current campaign.
Smyth, a former Gaelic footballer from County Down, now steps back into the primary role without any additional kickers being brought into the squad, according to information published by BBC.
Daniel Carlson Departs After Inconsistent Form
Daniel Carlson arrived at the New Orleans Saints following five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders to take over kicking duties for the start of the season. However, his accuracy dipped significantly during his stint with the struggling franchise.
During his time on the active roster, Carlson converted 16 out of 18 extra point attempts, but his field goal success rate dropped to just 66%. Head coach Kellen Moore noted that while Carlson made some big kicks, the lack of consistency forced a tough decision for the coaching staff.
Charlie Smyth Returns to the Active Roster
Charlie Smyth previously made his historic NFL debut last season after transitioning from Gaelic football in Mayobridge. During his initial stint as a starter, the 25-year-old successfully converted 12 of 16 field goal attempts and made all 13 of his extra point tries.
After enduring a mixed pre-season, Smyth dropped down to the practice squad when the team chose Carlson. However, he maintained a structured development plan throughout the week, which ultimately prepared him to step back into the starting lineup.
Preparation on the Practice Squad
Head coach Kellen Moore praised the dedication shown by players operating on the practice squad while waiting for an opportunity to contribute on game days. He compared Smyth's weekly preparation to that of quarterback Tyler Shough.
The coaching staff ensures every player follows a clear plan to improve their skills, making the transition smoother when injuries or performance issues force sudden lineup changes ahead of Sunday fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new starting kicker for the New Orleans Saints?
Charlie Smyth has been confirmed as the starting kicker for the New Orleans Saints by head coach Kellen Moore ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.
Why did the Saints release Daniel Carlson?
The New Orleans Saints terminated Daniel Carlson's contract due to inconsistent form after he managed a 66% success rate on field goal attempts this season.
When did Charlie Smyth make his NFL debut?
Charlie Smyth made his historic NFL debut in November last year after transitioning from his previous career as a Gaelic footballer in Northern Ireland.
Where is the upcoming Saints game taking place?
The New Orleans Saints will play their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns at the Caesars Superdome.
