Giants Kicker Graham Gano Out for Weeks Due to Hamstring Injury

The New York Giants will be without kicker Graham Gano for a few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Coach Brian Daboll announced on Monday that the team is looking to bring in several veteran kickers for tryouts this week, in addition to evaluating practice squad member Jude McAtamney, who was part of the team during training camp.

During Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, Gano injured his hamstring while attempting to chase down returner Austin Ekeler on the opening kickoff. Unfortunately for the Giants, Gano was unable to return to the game, a situation that proved costly for the team. Punter Jamie Gillan missed the extra point following the Giants’ first touchdown, leading Daboll to decide on two 2-point conversion attempts for subsequent touchdowns, both of which were unsuccessful.

The sequence of missed opportunities ultimately impacted the outcome of the game, as the Giants lost to the Commanders by a narrow margin of 21-18. In a crucial moment late in the game, with the score tied at 18 and just over two minutes remaining, the Giants faced a fourth-and-4 situation at the Washington 22-yard line. Instead of opting for a field goal, the team chose to go for the first down. Unfortunately, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers dropped a crucial pass from quarterback Daniel Jones, handing possession back to the Commanders.

The Commanders seized the chance and moved swiftly down the field to set up for a game-winning field goal, successfully converted by Austin Seibert, marking his seventh successful kick without a miss this season.

The current state of the Giants is challenging as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns (1-1) this Sunday. With Gano sidelined, the Giants will need to adjust their game plan, especially in crucial moments where kicking plays a vital role in scoring. The addition of new kickers may provide the team with necessary options to stabilize their special teams.

In the wake of these developments, Giants fans are concerned about the team’s ability to bounce back from an 0-2 start to the season. With the recent injury to Gano, and considering the missed scoring opportunities in the previous game, there’s pressure on the coaching staff and players to step up and find solutions quickly.

As the team gears up for practice this week, all eyes will be on the kicking situation, with the hope that whoever steps in can deliver in pivotal moments. The upcoming game against the Browns will be crucial for the Giants as they aim to turn their season around and secure their first win.

With the adjustments in the kicking game and a high-stakes matchup looming, the Giants will be looking for a renewed sense of urgency and determination to overcome their early-season struggles. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds and whether they can rise to the occasion without their veteran kicker.