Charlie Smyth has suffered a setback in his quest to play in the NFL after failing to make his team’s 53-man roster for the upcoming regular season.
Smyth has been released by the New Orleans Saints after failing to secure a first-team spot.
Ex-Derry Under-20s gaelic footballer Jude McAtamney is waiting to find out whether he will be part of the New York Giants’ 53-man squad after impressing in last weekend’s pre-season defeat by the New York Jets, kicking two field goals from 23 and 43 yards.
Former Down Gaelic football goalkeeper Smyth came through the NFL’s international player pathway (IPP) programme and signed a three-year-deal with the Saints in March.
Earlier this month, Smyth kicked a 37-yard field goal in the final seconds to help the Saints beat the Arizona Cardinals 16-14 in a pre-season contest.
However, he was beaten to the Saints’ kicker spot by Blake Grupe, who is retained as New Orleans’ starter in the position.
Smyth could yet be added to the Saints’ practice squad on Wednesday or could be signed by another team.