Giants player Graham Gano out for at least “several weeks” due to thigh injury

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The New York Giants will be without kicker Graham Gano for at least “several weeks” due to a thigh injury, according to coach Brian Daboll.

Gano, who was already battling a groin injury before Sunday's 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders, then injured his thigh while attempting to catch the returner on the opening kickoff, leaving the Giants without a kicker for the rest of the game.

Both injuries affected Gano’s kicking leg.

“He has a hamstring injury, so we'll see how he goes and I would assume he'll be here for a couple more weeks,” Daboll said Monday.

New York plans to hold a kicker workout this week with the intention of adding a veteran to the roster. The Giants currently have rookie Jude McAtamney, an undrafted free agent from Rutgers, on the practice squad with an international waivers.

“He's done a great job. He's got a very talented leg,” Gano said. “I think he's going to play. He has the ability to do that at some point. … He's done a great job. He's worked really hard and he's got a bright future for sure.”

Gano, 37, could end up on the injured list. He originally appeared on the injured list on Saturday because of groin problems. Because of the hamstring injury, he had trouble moving and bending after the game.

Daboll was criticized after the last-minute loss for not having a backup plan for Gano, who was obviously ailing before the game. Gano admitted that his groin was bothering him before the game and appeared uncomfortable at times during warm-ups. Gano even went into the house at one point to have his groin bandaged.

The Giants' lack of a kicker on one play would cost them dearly. Punter Jamie Gillan missed an extra point attempt after their first touchdown and Daboll opted not to kick for the rest of the game.

New York thwarted a 39-yard field goal attempt with just over two minutes left in a tied game.

Daboll attributed the course of the situation to bad luck and did not connect Gano's two injuries.

“He didn't hurt his groin,” Daboll said. “He hurt his thigh.”

It's the second year in a row the Giants have been in this situation. Gano tried to play through an injury last year and missed two makeable kicks in an overtime loss to the New York Jets. He eventually had to undergo surgery and missed the final nine games of the season.

Gano returned and looked good this summer, making his first two field goals of the season, one of them from 50 yards.