NFL Practice Squad Expansions: New Additions Include Jude McCarthney, Charlie Smyth, and Mark McNamee for the Upcoming Season

International Players Find NFL Foothold on Practice Squads

August 28, 2025

As National Football League teams solidify their 53-man rosters for the upcoming 2025 season, a wave of players are finding possibility through practice squad signings.Among those securing spots are jude McAtamney, Charlie Smyth, and Mark McNamee, each aiming to develop their skills and compete for future regular-season roles.

Roster Finalization and practice Squad Implications

The intense competition of NFL training camps culminated this week as teams made the challenging decisions to trim their rosters. For players like McAtamney, who competed with veteran Graham Gano for the New York Giants’ kicking position, missing the active roster was a setback. However, landing on the practice squad provides a crucial pathway to continued growth and potential elevation to the main roster.

Irish and International Talent Recognized

Jude McAtamney, a former Rutgers University football player originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, has been confirmed on the Giants’ practice squad. He showcased his kicking ability during the preseason, successfully converting 10 extra points and a field goal across games against the new York Jets and New England Patriots. His performance, along with playing time in the preseason opener against Buffalo, highlighted his potential.

Dublin native Mark McNamee has also been acknowledged, earning a position on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad. Similarly,Charlie Smyth,a former goalkeeper for Down in gaelic football,has secured a spot with the New Orleans Saints,becoming one of 15 players on their practice team.

Practice Squad Dynamics and International Player Rules

The NFL allows teams to carry a maximum of 16 players on their practice squads. An additional spot is permitted for teams who include a qualifying international player, recognizing the growing global presence within the league. This rule provides a valuable opportunity for athletes from around the world to gain experience and pursue their NFL dreams. Last season, McAtamney briefly experienced this opportunity when he was activated from the practice squad to fill in for an injured Gano during a game against the Washington Commanders.

Player	Team	Position	Origin
Jude McAtamney	New york Giants	Kicker	Northern Ireland
Charlie Smyth	New Orleans Saints	Undisclosed	Ireland
Mark McNamee	Green Bay Packers	Undisclosed	Ireland

Did You Know? The NFL’s International Player pathway Program aims to provide opportunities for athletes from outside the United States to compete professionally in American football.

Pro Tip: Practice squads are vital for player development, offering opportunities for coaching, film study, and continued refinement of skills without the pressure of immediate game action.

What impact do you think the international player rule has on the diversity and competitiveness of the NFL? Do practice squads provide the best path for these athletes to break into the league?

the Role of Practice Squads in Modern NFL

Practice squads have become increasingly vital in the modern NFL. They serve as a developmental league within a league, allowing teams to cultivate talent without using valuable active roster spots. According to data from Statista, the average practice squad salary in 2023 was approximately $12,000 per week, representing a meaningful increase over previous years, demonstrating the growing value placed on these players. The ability to bring players up from the practice squad throughout the season provides flexibility and depth, especially crucial given the high rate of injuries in the NFL.

frequently Asked Questions about NFL Practice Squads

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How does the expanded practice squad size (up to 16 players) benefit NFL teams compared to previous limits?

Understanding the Modern NFL Practice Squad

The NFL practice squad has evolved significantly in recent years, becoming a crucial component for team advancement and roster flexibility. As of 2025,teams are permitted to carry a roster of up to 16 players on their practice squad – a ample increase from the previous limits. This expansion allows teams to cultivate young talent, provide a developmental platform for players on the cusp of making the active roster, and maintain depth at key positions.the practice squad serves as an invaluable resource for injury replacements and strategic adjustments throughout the long NFL season.

Recent Practice Squad Additions: A Closer Look

Several players have recently been added to NFL practice squads, signaling teams’ strategies for the upcoming season. Here, we spotlight three notable additions: Jude McCarthney, Charlie Smyth, and Mark McNamee.

Jude McCarthney – Wide Receiver,[TeamName-[TeamName-To be filled by archyde.com]

McCarthney, a[College/University-[College/University-To be filled by archyde.com]product, brings a unique skillset to the[TeamName-[TeamName-To be filled by archyde.com]practice squad. Known for his remarkable route running and reliable hands,McCarthney faced an uphill battle for a spot on the 53-man roster due to the team’s depth at wide receiver. Though, his potential makes him a valuable asset for development.

key Strengths: Route running, hands, quickness.

Potential Role: Developing as a slot receiver, special teams contributor.

NFL Draft status: Undrafted Free Agent.

charlie Smyth – Defensive Tackle,[TeamName-[TeamName-To be filled by archyde.com]

Smyth, a powerful defensive tackle from[College/University-[College/University-To be filled by archyde.com], offers meaningful upside as a run-stopper. While raw, his size and strength are undeniable. landing on the[TeamName-[TeamName-To be filled by archyde.com]practice squad provides him the prospect to refine his technique and learn from veteran defensive linemen.

Key Strengths: Strength, size, run-stopping ability.

Potential role: Nose tackle, rotational defensive lineman.

NFL Draft Status: 7th Round Pick.

Mark McNamee – Linebacker,[TeamName-[TeamName-To be filled by archyde.com]

McNamee, a versatile linebacker from[college/University-[college/University-To be filled by archyde.com], impressed scouts with his tackling ability and coverage skills. He’s a high-motor player who consistently demonstrates a nose for the ball. The[teamName-[teamName-To be filled by archyde.com]are hoping to develop his instincts and refine his pass coverage skills on the practice squad.

Key Strengths: Tackling, athleticism, high motor.

Potential Role: Special teams, backup linebacker.

NFL Draft Status: undrafted Free Agent.

The Practice Squad Player Pathway: From Development to Active Roster

The practice squad isn’t simply a holding pen for players who didn’t make the initial 53-man roster. It’s a legitimate development pathway. Players can be elevated to the active roster under specific circumstances:

1. Standard Elevation: teams can elevate up to two practice squad players per game. These players revert to the practice squad the following day.
2. Emergency Elevation: In cases of unforeseen circumstances (injuries, illness), teams can elevate a practice squad player without it counting against the two-per-game limit.
3. Contract Signing: A player can be signed to the active roster if a spot becomes available due to injury, trade, or release.

This system allows teams to assess players in a game environment and provides valuable opportunities for practice squad members to prove their worth. Several NFL stars, including[Exmapleofaplayerwhorosefromapracticesquad-[Exmapleofaplayerwhorosefromapracticesquad-To be filled by archyde.com], have successfully transitioned from the practice squad to becoming key contributors.

Practice Squad rules and Regulations (2025)

Staying informed about the current NFL practice squad rules is essential for fans and players alike. Here’s a breakdown of key regulations:

roster Size: Maximum of 16 players.

Eligibility: Players must have less than two accrued seasons of NFL experience.

Salary: Practice squad players earn a minimum weekly salary,which is significantly lower than active roster players. (As of 2024, the minimum was $11,300 per week, subject to change).

Veteran exemptions: Teams can protect a limited number of practice squad players from being signed by other teams.

International Pathway Program: The NFL International Pathway Program allows teams to sign players from around the world to their practice squads, exempting them from the 53-man roster limit.

Benefits of an Expanded Practice Squad for NFL Teams

The expanded practice squad offers numerous advantages for NFL franchises: