The New York Giants tooting (HOOT!) their horn about a very cool, and big! So Jude McAtamney will assume kicking chores as the 49ers face the Los Angeles Chargers this week! The roster move came after the team’s decision to place veteran kicker Graham Gano on injured reserve. He was forced to exit with a groin injury during pregame warmups last week. Gano, 38, has had his share of struggles the past few seasons, most notably landing on injured reserve for the third straight season.
Gano’s shortcomings have been more of a mystery over the past two seasons. And last year, he only suited up for one game. Even though he was kicking while in obvious pain, he still managed to hit a 31-yard field goal and an extra point. But his effectiveness to help do that has fallen off a cliff, putting his place on the roster in jeopardy. Before the play pictured above, the Giants had just signed Gano to the practice squad after the Atlanta Falcons released him. Sadly for Thomas and the Giants, injury problems have kept him off the field again.
Compounding this season, Gano’s problems continued as he recently injured his groin, which has now placed him on injured reserve. The Giants had hoped to lean on his experience and skill, particularly after his 2020 Pro Bowl selection. With Gano now unavailable the team needed to make the right move going into what could be a crucial AFC West groove, divisional matchup against the Chargers.
McAtamney, who played collegiately at Rutgers, had been elevated from the practice squad only a day before the game. After winning out against another kicker Younghoe Koo in a very competitive week of practices, he’s kept his spot on the roster. As an International Pathway Player from Northern Ireland, McAtamney has been to put his name on the map with the organization.
With Gano’s absence to handle, the Giants had a few roster moves to clear up. They signed Elijah Garcia and Tomon Fox to the active roster. These changes have occurred as the staff has had to maneuver through a labyrinth of injuries while hoping to prop up a season worth crowning.
McAtamney is looking forward to stepping into this critical role. He brings with him an unorthodox background and killer instinct that should serve him well as he attempts to make his mark at the professional level. The Giants will certainly be hoping he brings that same level of accuracy to bear on the Chargers this Sunday when it matters most.
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