Giants Sign Yonghoe Koo for Upcoming Game
This week, there’s a noticeable change in the New York Giants’ kicking game. On Sunday, the team will officially sign Yonghoe Koo from their practice squad to replace Graham Gano, who’s dealing with some groin issues after last week’s 22-9 loss.
They brought Koo onto the roster on Tuesday. Gano’s injury concerns have left the Giants looking for a reliable option, and currently, Jude McAtamuney is the other kicker who’s also on the practice squad.
Given Koo’s experience, it’s likely he will take the lead in this kicking competition. Over his eight years in the NFL, mostly with the Falcons, he has a solid track record, converting 85.8% of his field goal attempts. Notably, he has recorded a perfect 52-for-52 on kicks from 30 yards, 56-of-52 from 52 yards, and 29-of-40 from over 50 yards. In 2020, he was even selected for the Pro Bowl after making 37 of 39 field goal attempts.
This season, however, Koo missed a 44-yard field goal in his opener with the Falcons, leading to his release shortly after.
“I still need to get to know him,” said Michael Gobrial, the special teams coordinator. “It’s hard to pinpoint why he has such a successful history with game-winning kicks, but I definitely have confidence in him.”
Koo elaborated on his preparation: “It’s not just about showing up. I need to trust myself in every aspect of my job, mentally and physically. That’s crucial.”
In addition to Koo, McAtamuney, who is from Ireland and part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, was drafted onto the practice squad. Last season, he managed one successful field goal attempt during his only gameplay with the Giants.
Koo has an interesting background—originally from Seoul, South Korea, he spent his high school years in Litchfield, New Jersey.
As Koo prepares for his debut, he must quickly get acclimated with punter Jamie Gillan and long snapper Casey Kreiter. Gobrial noted, “Adapting won’t be seamless, but given Koo’s experience—seven years in the league—he knows what to expect.”
In other news, TE Theo Johnson and WR Malik Nabers have returned to limited practice after shouldering injuries. Both missed practice on Wednesday.
LB Darius Muasau is set to clear concussion protocol by the weekend, making him eligible to play on Sunday. Conversely, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches (foot), DL Chauncey Golston (ankles), K Graham Gano (groin), and RB Tyrone Tracy (shoulders) did not practice.
Additionally, NT Dexter Lawrence II was seen wearing a bulky brace on his left elbow, showing signs of discomfort last week. Coach Brian Dabor reassured fans, saying, “He’ll take a hit, but he’ll be fine.”
