Saints are keeping Charlie Smyth on the practice squad

The New Orleans Saints were able to retain one of their own high-priority practice squad players, after waiving Charlie Smyth he has cleared waivers and been signed to the Saints practice squad, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. This comes after the Saints kept second-year kicker Blake Grupe and waived Smyth, presumably in hopes that he would clear waivers and they could retain him long-term.

Smyth did not have a significant chance to play in the preseason, missing time due to a minor injury later on but also losing most reps due to Grupe getting the first look. His most notable moment however was his first NFL kick, which was a 37-yard game-winner in the first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. It was a big moment for the rookie kicker from Ireland, who the Saints are retaining with an International Player Pathway roster exemption.

He has been routinely hitting 60-plus yard field goals in training camp according to multiple reporters, including a 65 yarder in their practice at Yulman Stadium (which may have been good from further distance, by the looks of it). It will be nice to have depth at the kicker position, in the event that Grupe begins to struggle, there are options to be had this time.