The New York Giants have made kicker Graham Gano’s elevation from IR official. He’s expected to be back in time for their next game Oct. 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 38-year-old kicker returns after missing the last five games with a groin injury. He will take over for Jude McAtamney, who struggled mightily during last week’s close loss to the Denver Broncos.
Gano suffered his groin injury warming up in a Week 3 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. His absence has surely been felt by the Giants, especially considering his stellar accomplishment resume. Gano has converted all 6 of his field goals this season, including a 55-yarder. Oh, and he’s perfect on four extra points too, which should come as no surprise given his absurd 95.5% career conversion rate over his 16-year career.
Head coach Brian Daboll has always believed in Gano. So as long as Gano is healthy, he thinks Gano will take over the kicking responsibilities. This announcement comes on the heels of McAtamney’s prolific performance just days ago. He famously missed two extra points in the nail-biting 33-32 loss to Denver.
Speaking ahead of this week’s clash with Philadelphia, Gano said he was mentally prepared to come back to the squad.
“I’m ready to go,” – Graham Gano
The veteran kicker explained to fans and teammates that he’s not thinking at all about ever re-injuring his leg. During his rehabilitation, Gano was unable to kick for the majority of the afternoon post-injury. His resolve to get back out onto the pitch never wavers.
Daboll acknowledged the potential need for a backup plan, saying, “I think if we need to do it, we’ll do it.” The team works hard to stay ahead of the curve. They need to find a dependable kicking option before their key divisional clash with first-place Baltimore on Nov. 17.
Gano has plenty of experience at the NFL level. Having spent his career with the Giants, Washington and Carolina, he has established himself to be one of the league’s most reliable kickers. His return significantly strengthens the Giants’ special teams unit. It returns much-needed stability as they prepare to meet the long-term challenges to come.
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