Charlie Smyth jokes about kicking through broken thumb

Charlie Smyth might need some help opening a jar for a while, but he can still split the uprights. The 25-year-old New Orleans Saints kicker, who is competing for a spot on the 53-man roster with Tanner Brown, revealed on Thursday that he injured his right thumb after slipping at a camp in Gatlinburg a couple of weeks before training camp.

That injury, according to a source, is a “simple broken thumb.” Fortunately for the Saints, it shouldn’t interfere with his ability to make field goals. The unusual injury has created some day-to-day issues for Smyth, who spoke with the media in a brace, though he has been able to find humor in the situation.

“I don’t need my hands,” Smyth said. “I’m the only player on the team who doesn’t need my hands.”

As for how the injury occurred, Smyth explained that the turf was hard when he planted his foot, causing him to lose his balance. Attempting to brace his fall, he used his hand before immediately realizing something was wrong with his thumb.

“The turf was a little hard, and then I went to plant and braced behind me. I looked at my thumb and was like, ‘Okay, there’s something going on here.’ But I was still able to kick that day and kick pretty well,” Smyth explained. “I’m just glad it wasn’t anything else. It was probably the best injury I could ask for. It’s a little inconvenient, but it’s all good.”

The injury has not prevented Smyth from participating in the kicking competition. In fact, Smyth believes it was the best-case scenario for an injury to someone playing his position. Smyth is looking to build on the valuable experience he gained last season. He said those opportunities helped him learn to manage himself on the sidelines during games and to remain focused on his process rather than being consumed by the outcome of the competition. The former Gaelic football player has also worked to become more controlled during practices. Smyth admitted that he was occasionally trying too hard to showcase the power in his leg instead of concentrating on putting the ball through the uprights.

Smyth made 12 of his 16 field goal attempts in six games with the Saints last season, including four from 50-plus yards. He also made all 13 of his field goal attempts. A damaged thumb has certainly made some daily activities more challenging for Smyth. Still, it shouldn’t significantly affect his kicking as he plans to continue his tenure in New Orleans.

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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Charlie Smyth jokes about kicking through broken thumb