Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

October 1, 2022 | New Orleans Saints

Saints QB Jameis Winston ruled out vs. Vikings; Andy Dalton to start

Winston will sit out the Saints' game against the Vikings. Instead, Dalton will get the start.

October 1, 2022 | Miami Dolphins

NFLPA fires neurotrauma consultant involved in Tua Tagovailoa situation for making 'several mistakes'

The decision to terminate the contract of the UNC signals the first repercussion of the fallout from Tagovailoa's two head injuries in five days.

September 30, 2022 | NFL

John Harbaugh on Tagovailoa hit: 'I couldn't believe what I was seeing'

Reactions continue to come in from around the NFL regarding Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night, including a strong one from Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

September 30, 2022 | New Orleans Saints

Saints QB Jameis Winston yet to practice this week ahead of game vs. Vikings

His status as the Saints starting QB has been in jeopardy since before Week 2, when word leaked that Winston is dealing with fractures in his lower back.

September 30, 2022 | Miami Dolphins

Mike McDaniel remains adamant that Tagovailoa did not suffer concussion during Sunday's contest versus Bills

McDaniel and the rest of the Dolphins front office will face scrutiny for how they handled the quarterback situation this week, especially considering Tagovailoa's incident last week.

September 29, 2022 | Miami Dolphins

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa stretchered off field, taken to hospital with 'head and neck injuries'

Tagovailoa was taken to a local hospital with what the Dolphins called "head and neck injuries."

September 29, 2022 | Washington Commanders

Ron Rivera: Carson Wentz will 'bounce back'

The Washington coach expressed confidence in his quarterback despite a poor showing in Week 3.

September 28, 2022 | New Orleans Saints

Saints look to band together in London for Week 4

The New Orleans Saints (1-2) head on the road to host a home game in London. The team's offense fails to get going until the second half, but the defense

September 27, 2022 | NFL

Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow set for rematch in battle of NFL's high-powered offenses

The two met in college with Burrow and the Tigers outdueling Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide, 46-41, in a much-hyped contest.

September 27, 2022 | New Orleans Saints

The Saints' bet on the passing game has failed thus far, but all is not lost

Despite devoting considerable resources towards bolstering the passing game under Jameis Winston, the Saints' gamble on that aspect hasn't yielded the desired results so far into the 2022 season.

September 25, 2022 | New Orleans Saints

Saints offense continues to struggle in 22-14 loss to Panthers

According to first-year head coach Dennis Allen, the solution doesn't involve making a switch at the quarterback position.

September 25, 2022 | Washington Commanders

Ron Rivera gives positive update on Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera gave a promising update on the status of rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr., who was shot multiple times in an attempted carjacking on August 28.

September 23, 2022 | NFL

Battle of the bans: Marshon Lattimore banned from Tampa brewery

While the battle rages off the field, the Saints and Buccaneers will have to wait until Week 13 to settle the score on the field.

September 23, 2022 | Miami Dolphins

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel, a 'football savant,' used Allen Iverson for offensive inspiration

It's early, but the Dolphins appear to have found their...ahem..."Answer."

September 23, 2022 | New Orleans Saints

Saints QB Jameis Winston, RB Alvin Kamara questionable for Week 3 vs. Panthers

While the Saints' chances of winning greatly diminish without Kamara, Winston's potential absence includes an element of the unknown.

September 23, 2022 | NFL

Spotlight on Commanders' Carson Wentz in his first game against Eagles

Five years ago, Commanders QB Carson Wentz was on his way to an MVP-like season for the Philadelphia Eagles. A season-ending injury in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams derailed that trajectory, and he was exiled from Philly in 2021. Sunday will mark Wentz's first game against the team he piloted for 13 games in its Super Bowl-winning season.