In a significant development for the New York Giants, veteran kicker Graham Gano has been activated from injured reserve ahead of their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. This activation comes after Gano missed five games due to a groin injury sustained during warm-ups for a Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Replacement for Jude McAtamney
Gano’s return means he is stepping in for Jude McAtamney, who struggled in the previous game against the Denver Broncos. During that contest, McAtamney missed two extra points, contributing to the Giants’ narrow 33-32 defeat. Following this performance, the Giants waived McAtamney but subsequently re-signed him under a practice squad exemption due to the International Pathway Program.
Performance History
Gano, age 38, is a seasoned professional with a solid track record. He has successfully converted all ten of his kicks this season, achieving:
- 6 out of 6 field goals, including a long of 55 yards
- 4 out of 4 extra points
Over his 16-year career, Gano has maintained an impressive 95.5% success rate on extra points while playing for the Giants, Washington, and Carolina.
Coaching Confidence
Coach Brian Daboll has expressed confidence in Gano’s readiness for this week’s game. Daboll stated that they would utilize Gano as the kicker if he felt comfortable and received a positive assessment from the medical staff. The Giants have opted to proceed with Gano as the sole kicker for Sunday’s game, even though they had the option to promote veteran Younghoe Koo from the practice squad.
Looking Ahead
Gano indicated that he is prepared to return to the field without concerns about reinjury. He stated, “Just going to play football,” underscoring his determination to contribute to the team’s success. As the Giants prepare for the Eagles, the impact of Gano’s presence could be crucial in their pursuit of a turnaround this season.
