The Giants knew they needed to find a new kicker for this week's matchup against the Chargers when Graham Gano suffered a groin issue, demanding an injured reserve stint. And while the expectation was for Yunghoe Koo to be elevated from the practice squad on Saturday, the team announced a different plan.
For at least one week, Jude McAtamney will handle kicking duties for the Giants, as he ultimately won a practice competition with the newly signed Koo. It'll be the second career game for the Northern Ireland native, who joined the franchise in 2024 as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program (IPP).
McAtamney's first taste of NFL action came last November, in the Giants' Week 11 home loss to the Commanders. The 25-year-old made a 31-yard field goal on his lone attempt, converted on an extra point, and also logged five kickoffs. He became the first IPP player to be elevated to an active roster.
Koo, who was cut by the Falcons last week after seven seasons with the team, appeared to be the frontrunner for the Giants' kicking responsibilities earlier in the week. The 2020 Pro Bowler went 178-for-205 (86.8 percent) on field goals and 166-for-173 (96 percent) on extra-point attempts across 89 games with the Falcons.
Regardless of who kicks for the Giants next week, they won't have Gano for at least four games. The 38-year-old veteran hurt his groin during pregame warmups in Week 3 against the Chiefs, and punter Jamie Gillan had to spend three quarters as the emergency kicker. Gano returned in the fourth, playing through pain to drill a 25-yard field goal.
The Giants wrapped up preparations for the Chargers by also listing running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) and defensive lineman Chauncey Golston (ankle) as out, and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (foot) as doubtful. Star receiver Malik Nabers (shoulder) and tight end Theo Johnson (toe) were limited in Friday's practice, but will play on Sunday.
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