Posted on Sep 27

Giants elevate Jude McAtamney as kicker amid Gano's injury struggles: 'A new opportunity'

Posted Sep 27, 2025

The New York Giants have elevated kicker Jude McAtamney from the practice squad as they navigate a critical juncture in their season.

Why it matters: This move comes in the wake of veteran kicker Graham Gano being placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury, marking the third consecutive season he has faced such a setback. The Giants are currently winless at 0-3 and desperately need stability in their kicking game as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Chargers.

The absence of a reliable placekicker was starkly felt in last week’s 22-9 loss to the Chiefs, where the team struggled to convert scoring opportunities.
McAtamney's elevation reflects the urgency of the situation, as the Giants look to turn their fortunes around.

What’s new: McAtamney won the kicking competition against Younghoe Koo, who had been signed to the practice squad after his release from the Atlanta Falcons.

Koo, a Pro Bowler in 2020, struggled with consistency in recent seasons, prompting the Giants to seek alternatives.
McAtamney brings a unique background as an International Pathway Player who played collegiately at Rutgers. Last season, he successfully made one field goal attempt and an extra point in limited action.

Yes, but: Despite McAtamney’s potential, this transition may not be seamless given the pressures of a high-stakes professional environment.

He will be stepping into a significant role with minimal recent game experience, which could impact the confidence of the entire offense.
The pressure to perform well is accentuated, especially for a team seeking its first win of the season.

What to watch: The Giants upcoming matchup against the Chargers will serve as a litmus test for McAtamney's capabilities under pressure.

How effectively he handles kickoffs and field-goal attempts could dictate the performance of the Giants’ offense.
Additionally, the dynamics of the special teams unit, previously bolstered by Gano’s experience, will be pivotal in ensuring that scoring drives convert into points.

The bottom line: McAtamney’s promotion is a response to the urgent needs of a struggling Giants team.

With Gano sidelined, the focus will now shift to how McAtamney adapts to the rigors of the NFL, particularly in a crucial game that could redefine the team’s season trajectory.
As the Giants aim to stabilize their kicking game amid adversity, the effectiveness of their decision-making will be closely scrutinized as they grapple with early-season challenges.

Giants elevate Jude McAtamney as kicker amid Gano's injury struggles: 'A new opportunity'

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 27, 2025

The New York Giants have elevated kicker Jude McAtamney from the practice squad as they navigate a critical juncture in their season.

The absence of a reliable placekicker was starkly felt in last week’s 22-9 loss to the Chiefs, where the team struggled to convert scoring opportunities.

McAtamney's elevation reflects the urgency of the situation, as the Giants look to turn their fortunes around.

What’s new: McAtamney won the kicking competition against Younghoe Koo, who had been signed to the practice squad after his release from the Atlanta Falcons.

Koo, a Pro Bowler in 2020, struggled with consistency in recent seasons, prompting the Giants to seek alternatives.

McAtamney brings a unique background as an International Pathway Player who played collegiately at Rutgers. Last season, he successfully made one field goal attempt and an extra point in limited action.

Yes, but: Despite McAtamney’s potential, this transition may not be seamless given the pressures of a high-stakes professional environment.

He will be stepping into a significant role with minimal recent game experience, which could impact the confidence of the entire offense.

The pressure to perform well is accentuated, especially for a team seeking its first win of the season.

What to watch: The Giants upcoming matchup against the Chargers will serve as a litmus test for McAtamney's capabilities under pressure.

How effectively he handles kickoffs and field-goal attempts could dictate the performance of the Giants’ offense.

Additionally, the dynamics of the special teams unit, previously bolstered by Gano’s experience, will be pivotal in ensuring that scoring drives convert into points.

The bottom line: McAtamney’s promotion is a response to the urgent needs of a struggling Giants team.

With Gano sidelined, the focus will now shift to how McAtamney adapts to the rigors of the NFL, particularly in a crucial game that could redefine the team’s season trajectory.

As the Giants aim to stabilize their kicking game amid adversity, the effectiveness of their decision-making will be closely scrutinized as they grapple with early-season challenges.