The New York Giants’ 2024 season hinges on a selected participant — quarterback Daniel Jones — efficiently rehabbing from ACL surgical procedure and returning to motion one hundred pc.
However there’s one other knee the crew can be keeping track of this summer season. That of veteran kicker Graham Gano, who additionally missed the second half of the 2023 season with an harm to his left knee that required surgical procedure.
The 37-year-old Gano’s harm was to his plant leg, not his kicking leg, and though it was reported in mid-October, he was not positioned on injured reserve (IR) till November 3.
Gano, who had been hitting over 90 p.c of his area objective makes an attempt since changing into a Large in 2020, was simply 11-of-17 final 12 months. He was additionally coping with a proper ankle concern early on within the 12 months.
The Giants changed Gano on the roster with Randy Bullock and Mason Crosby. Punter Jamie Gillan was additionally thrust into spot placekicking obligation one week.
This spring, Gano — who’s below contract till 2026 — was again on the sector at OTAs kicking, however the Giants aren’t taking any probabilities. They’ll have former Rutgers standout Jude McAtamney available in case Gano ought to endure a setback.
First-year Giants particular crew coordinator Michael Ghobrial is wanting ahead to working with Gano this summer season and past.
“He’s an incredible individual to have within the room, a man that’s seen lots of soccer,” Ghobrial stated on the Giants’ minicamp in mid-June. “He has nice foot accuracy. You clearly see the explosive leg… So it’s been enjoyable to work with him and to see his skillset when it comes to the kickoff and area objective stuff. I’m excited for him to begin off day one with us.”
Ghobrial additionally addressed the plan for Gano this summer season, which is able to rely on how properly Gano is coming alongside.
“I feel you at all times have to observe what number of kicks a specialist has generally,” he stated. “However the reality of the matter is that is sort of a dialog that you just at all times have with the participant. How are you feeling right this moment? The most important factor is you need to make sure that they present as much as the sport wholesome and able to go. I’ve seen him do all the pieces that I have to.”
That’s excellent news for the Giants. Gano has been a stalwart for them they usually want all the consistency they will get as they try to climb again into competition.