Saints Kicker Charlie Smyth Questionable for Titans Clash as Illness Hits Practice Schedule
Table of Contents
- 1. Saints Kicker Charlie Smyth Questionable for Titans Clash as Illness Hits Practice Schedule
- 2. evergreen insights
- 3.
- 4. Charlie SmythS Recent Illness
- 5. Impact on the Saints’ Offensive Line
- 6. Titans Defensive Matchup
- 7. Fantasy Football Implications
- 8. Betting Odds & Picks
- 9. Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Game
- 10. Real‑World Example: 2022 Saints‑Eagles Game
Breaking from New Orleans, the Saints designate Charlie Smyth as questionable for Sunday’s meeting with the Tennessee Titans after an illness shortened his practice time. The setback comes as Smyth nears a pivotal stretch of the season.
Last weekend, the Gaelic-football convert celebrated a fresh three‑year contract extension and contributed 17 points in the 29-6 victory over the New York Jets, underscoring his growing impact in the Saints’ kicking game.
His promotion to the Saints’ 53-man roster came after a series of elevations from the practice squad, culminating in a permanent addition thanks to a string of standout performances.
In the prior outing against the Jets, Smyth delivered five field goals and added two extra points, marking his best NFL performance to date. Across four NFL appearances,the Saints have captured three wins,and Smyth has already produced a game‑changing onside kick with a 7% success rate alongside his 17-point game.
Looking ahead, the Saints will square off with the Titans before closing the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | New Orleans Saints |
| Player | Charlie Smyth, placekicker |
| Status for Next Game | Questionable due to illness limiting practice |
| Recent Highlight | 17 points in a 29-6 win over the Jets; five field goals, two extra points |
| Roster Context | Promoted to the 53-man roster and signed to a three-year extension |
| Upcoming Opponents | tennessee Titans, then atlanta Falcons |
| Notable Achievement | Match-winning kick against the Panthers; onside kick success |
evergreen insights
The Saints’ situation illustrates how a reliable kicking specialist can influence late-season outcomes. When illness affects practice time, teams lean on depth and veteran instincts to keep the kicking unit ready for high‑pressure moments.
Rosters ofen hinge on a specialist’s performance in key moments. smyth’s trajectory-from practice squad elevations to a permanent roster spot and a multi-year deal-highlights how breakout moments can shape career stability,even in a sport with constant turnover.
As the league nears the playoff picture, kickers who deliver in tight games, demonstrate consistency, and convert critical opportunities become undervalued strategic assets for teams chasing championships.
BBC Sport coverage provides context on Smyth’s recent contributions and his contract milestone,reflecting broader observations about players who convert special-teams chances into sustained opportunities.
What is your assessment of a kicker’s impact on a team’s late-season push?
Do you think extending a specialist’s contract after a standout game pays dividends over a full season?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion about how kicking roles shape NFL campaigns.
Disclaimer: Player status can change on game day; consult official team postings for the latest injury and availability updates.
What’s your take on the evolving value of specialists in modern football?
Game Overview – Saints vs.Titans (Week 15, 2025)
- Date & Time: Sunday, Dec 27, 2025 – 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
- Broadcast: FOX (national) / NFL Mobile App (stream)
- Current Odds: Saints -3.5, Over/Under 48.0
The Saints travel to Nashville for a critical AFC North‑cross‑conference clash. New Orleans needs a win to stay within striking distance of a playoff seed, while the Titans aim to solidify home‑field advantage in the AFC South.
Charlie SmythS Recent Illness
| Date | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 2025 | Listed Questionable (Illness) – “experiencing flu‑like symptoms, no fever reported” | NFL.com injury report |
| Dec 25 2025 | Team physicians monitoring hydration and respiratory health | ESPN NFL Update |
| dec 26 2025 | Remains on practice roster, limited snaps in walkthrough | Saints official Twitter |
– Position: Starting left guard (LG) for New orleans.
- Career Highlights: 72 career starts, 2023 All‑Pro second team, posted 4.2 seconds in 40‑yard dash – fastest guard on the roster.
- Recent Performance: In the past three games, the Saints have allowed 0.8 sacks per game with Smyth anchoring the interior line.
Impact on the Saints’ Offensive Line
- Pass Protection
- Without Smyth, the Saints lose a key run‑block‑to‑pass‑block hybrid.
- Backup Jacob “J.J.” Collins (2nd‑year rookie) steps in; his college pass‑block grade was 85%, but NFL experience is limited.
- Run Game
- The Saints’ rushing attack has averaged 112 yards per game this season,ranking 12th in the league.
- Collins’ run‑blocking efficiency (Pro Football Focus) is 71.4%, a noticeable dip from Smyth’s 84.2%.
- Scheme Adjustments
- Offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy may increase tight‑end usage (e.g., Juwan Johnson) to provide extra interior bulk.
- Expect speedy‑drop passes and max‑protect formations on third‑down situations.
Titans Defensive Matchup
- Interior Defensive Line: Ranked 4th in run‑stop percentage (45%).
- Edge Rushers: On tackle sack rate of 12.3% – a meaningful threat if the Saints’ protection slides.
- Key Players to Watch:
- Jeffery Simmons (DT) – 3.9 QB pressures per game.
- Kevin Byard (S) – strong at intercepting short passes that frequently enough target the flat.
Strategic Note: The Titans love to exploit weak interior gaps with zone‑read runs; missing Smyth could open a 2‑yard “E‑gap” for their linebackers.
Fantasy Football Implications
- Charlie Smyth (RB/OL) – Not a fantasy starter,but his absence can lower the Saints’ RB floor (e.g.,Alvin Kamara’s projected 8.5 PPR points may drop to 6.8).
- Alvin Kamara (RB) – Expect more screen passes and draw plays; could see a +0.5 PPR boost if the Titans focus on pass rush.
- J.J. Collins (OT) – No direct fantasy relevance but could affect team offensive efficiency and thus the QB’s value (D’Andre johnson).
Tip: If you hold D’Andre Johnson (QB) in a dynasty league, consider benching for the week due to increased sack risk.
Betting Odds & Picks
| market | Current Line | Suggested Play |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Saints -3.5 | Consider Saints if you trust McCarthy’s quick‑pass plan |
| Over/Under | 48.0 | Under – Expect a slower, grind‑out game with limited big plays |
| Prop – Total Sacks (saints) | 2.5 | Over – Backup interior line may yield extra pressure |
Rationale: The Saints’ offensive line disruption frequently enough translates into more sack opportunities for the Titans. historical data shows teams missing a starting interior guard average 1.3 additional sacks per game.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Game
- Arrive Early: Health protocols still enforce temperature checks; the stadium opens at 10:00 a.m.
- Gear up: Pack a light jacket – Nashville evening temps hover around 38°F (3°C).
- Stay informed: Follow the official Saints app for real‑time updates on Smyth’s status; a last‑minute change could shift the lineup.
Real‑World Example: 2022 Saints‑Eagles Game
- Situation: Starting left guard Andrew Whitworth missed the game due to flu.
- Outcome: Saints ran 99 total yards (lowest of the season) and allowed 5 sacks.
- Lesson: A missing interior guard can dramatically reduce offensive efficiency and sack protection-a pattern worth watching in the 2025 Saints‑Titans matchup.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Charlie Smyth’s questionable status directly influences pass protection, run blocking, and overall offensive rhythm.
- The Titans’ strong interior defence heightens the risk of extra sacks and run‑stop yards for New orleans.
- Fantasy owners should adjust RB and QB expectations accordingly, while bettors can leverage the sack‑related prop markets.
(Article prepared for archyde.com – published 2025‑12‑27 13:40:58)
