Who Should I Start? Riley Patterson or Charlie Smyth

Thursday, August 22, 9:20 AM

The Washington Commanders are releasing kicker Riley Patterson following the trade for former Cleveland Browns kicker Cade York, according to John Keim of ESPN. Patterson has spent time with six NFL organizations since going undrafted out of Memphis in 2021. He's seen regular-season action with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns, and has made 59 of his 67 field goal attempts through the first 39 contests of his career. Patterson's 88.1% career field goal percentage is above the league's average, so it would not be surprising if he lands another opportunity this season.

Sunday, August 25, 6:35 PM

New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth (groin) didn't suit up during Sunday's preseason contest against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie kicker has been dealing with an ongoing groin issue since Friday. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the team wanted to play it safe and hold Smyth out of this game. In his absence, Blake Grupe handled the kicking duties during the preseason finale. He connected on both his field goal attempts and made all three of his extra point attempts as well. It remains to be seen which kicker the team decides to ride with into the regular season. Grupe is probably the favorite after making 30-of-37 field goal attempts and all 40 extra point attempts during his rookie season with the Saints in 2023.