Smyth elevated to Saints' active roster before NFL debut

Charlie Smyth was an Ulster Under-20 Championship winner with Down in 2021

Charlie Smyth is set to start his first regular season game for the New Orleans Saints against Miami Dolphins on Sunday after he was elevated to their active roster.

The 24-year-old will replace Blake Grupe, who was waived by the Saints last week after missing a pair of field goals in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Saints did add veteran kicker Cade York to their practice squad earlier this week, but Smyth's elevation suggests he has won the battle to handle kicking duties for Kellen Moore's side.

The Mayobridge native did feature in pre-season for the Saints, kicking two field goals in a 17-17 tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars in August.

Former Down goalkeeper Smyth had been a member of the team's practice squad as part of the NFL's international player pathway programme.

He signed his first contract with the Saints in March 2024 after impressing in the NFL Combine.