New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth's future with the team remains uncertain, according to special teams coordinator Phil Galiano. The 24-year-old will make his home NFL debut against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Smyth has impressed in his first two games, but his permanent status is up for grabs due to NFL rules.
In the league, players can be elevated from the practice squad three times before they must be made permanent fixtures in a team's 53-man roster. If Smyth performs well against the Panthers, the Saints would need to sign him and select him again if he continues to impress. However, Galiano refused to comment on Smyth's future.
For now, Galiano is focusing on winning each game individually. "Our hope is Charlie goes and kicks well and helps us win the game," he said. "I'm looking to treat it one game at a time; it's the only way you can treat it."
Smyth has shown resilience in his first two appearances, earning his opportunity after regular kicker Blake Grupe was waived by the Saints. He landed a 56-yard field goal and a rare onside kick on his debut but had mixed fortunes in the surprise victory over the Buccaneers.
Coach Kellen Moore confirmed Smyth will start for the Saints against the Panthers, marking his third successive NFL game. Smyth's future remains uncertain due to the limited number of times players can be elevated from the practice squad before becoming permanent fixtures.
In the league, players can be elevated from the practice squad three times before they must be made permanent fixtures in a team's 53-man roster. If Smyth performs well against the Panthers, the Saints would need to sign him and select him again if he continues to impress. However, Galiano refused to comment on Smyth's future.
For now, Galiano is focusing on winning each game individually. "Our hope is Charlie goes and kicks well and helps us win the game," he said. "I'm looking to treat it one game at a time; it's the only way you can treat it."
Smyth has shown resilience in his first two appearances, earning his opportunity after regular kicker Blake Grupe was waived by the Saints. He landed a 56-yard field goal and a rare onside kick on his debut but had mixed fortunes in the surprise victory over the Buccaneers.
Coach Kellen Moore confirmed Smyth will start for the Saints against the Panthers, marking his third successive NFL game. Smyth's future remains uncertain due to the limited number of times players can be elevated from the practice squad before becoming permanent fixtures.
So, I think it's kinda wild how Smyth's future is still up in the air despite his decent performances so far... I mean, he did get off to a great start with that 56-yard field goal and onside kick, but the NFL rules are pretty strict when it comes to elevating players from the practice squad. Three times is all you get before they have to be signed permanently 
. It's like, what if Smyth has another solid game? Do the Saints just let him go after one more time? 
I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things play out...
, now hes gotta prove himself again! 
coach moore made the right call by starting him against the panthers tho 
, itll be awesome to see him perform well again 
like, cant a guy just get a contract & be done w/ it? 
i feel for him, been through similar situations w/ other teams & u know how frustrating it is to have ur future all uncertain 
