Saints make a decision on their kicker for Week 13 vs. Dolphins

A weeklong kicker competition led the New Orleans Saints to name Charlie Smyth, not Cade York, their starter in Week 13's game with the Miami Dolphins. Smyth, hailing from Mayobridge in Ireland, is in his second year on the practice squad after joining the Saints as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. The Saints signed York to push Smyth this week after waiving Blake Grupe, but Smyth's larger exposure to the coaching staff may have made a difference.

Good luck to him. Smyth has made all five of his field goals in the preseason -- including a game-winner as a rookie and two tries from more than 50 yards out this summer. But this will be first action in a real game. If he can make the most of his opportunities and win some confidence from his coaches, he could hold on to the job for a long time. But for now he just needs to take his journey one step at a time.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints start Ireland native Charlie Smyth at kicker vs. Dolphins