Giants latest mind-boggling kicker injury means practice-squad option set for debut
In a twist that’s too unbelievable to be made up, rookie kicker Jude McAtamney is expected to make his NFL debut Sunday for the Giants against the Commanders. Greg Joseph was added to the injury report and ruled out Friday after an MRI exam revealed that he is dealing with an abdomen injury. McAtamney is expected to be elevated from the practice squad. Seven weeks ago, the Giants lost to these Commanders, 21-18, because they didn’t elevate McAtamney when the situation called for it. The Giants went into the game with Graham Gano dealing with a groin injury. Gano then injured his hamstring on the opening kickoff, and the Giants missed a PAT on punter Jamie Gillan’s attempt, bypassed two other PATs for failed two-point conversion attempts and did not try a potential game-tying 40-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter.It was a difference of three-to-six points. Now, the Ireland-born McAtamney, who is on the practice squad via an NFL International Pathways exemption, will get his shot.
He was a kickoff specialist at Rutgers last season after losing the place-kicking competition but made both his field goals during preseason action. Joseph is 13-for-16 on field goals as Gano’s replacement.Gano remains on injured reserve even though he is eligible to return. WR Darius Slayton won’t approach Sunday’s game any differently than his first 84 with the Giants even though his 85th could be his last. Slayton is in the final year of his contract and could be traded by Tuesday’s NFL deadline. “For two or three years now, I’ve been a trade-deadline name, so I control what I can control and don’t worry about it much,” Slayton told The Post.
“It’s somewhat of a good thing because if people are trading for you, you’re obviously doing something right.I obviously want to be here.
The easy thing is to go to somebody who is 6-2 right now, but I have roots here and love my teammates here.” RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.cleared the concussion protocol a...