Giants Release Kicker After Disappointing Loss

Just two days after the New York Giants faced a tough defeat against the Denver Broncos, the team decided to part ways with kicker Jude McAtamney, who was notably involved in the team’s 33-32 loss.

McAtamney, a second-year kicker hailing from Northern Ireland, had a rough game where he missed crucial extra points, including one that could have given the Giants a late lead. His time with New York concluded after just four games.

He initially joined the Giants through the International Pathway Program, stepping in for Graham Gano, who was sidelined due to injury in Week 3. McAtamney began his stint positively, making a couple of short field goals and an extra point during his debut against the Los Angeles Chargers.

However, things took a downturn quickly. He missed an extra point at home against the Philadelphia Eagles and another early in the game against Denver. In a dramatic ending, a mistake from Jackson Dart allowed the Giants to briefly lead 32-30, but the Broncos managed to score a last-second field goal, sealing the victory.

Instead of tying the game, Denver celebrated their comeback, leaving the Giants utterly shocked by the game’s final moments.

Additionally, McAtamney’s limited range affected other plays, including an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt after leading 19-0.

His release comes at a time when Gano is eligible to return from injured reserve, and he is expected to kick on Tuesday to assess his readiness. Meanwhile, former Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo has joined the Giants’ practice squad and will compete for the kicking position this Sunday against the Eagles.

Gano has dealt with injuries that kept him out of 20 games since the 2023 season, but when healthy, he’s been recognized as one of the NFL’s more reliable kickers, with a career field goal conversion rate of 83.9%.