What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The New York Giants are experiencing a kicking dilemma following the injury of their kicker, Graham Gano. Gano injured his groin during pregame warmups before the Giants' home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium. As a result, the Giants had to rely on punter Jamie Gillan for kicking duties. Gillan's extra point attempt was blocked after Cam Skattebo's touchdown run, leaving the game tied at 6-6. Gano later managed to kick a 25-yard field goal despite being in visible pain, reducing the Giants' deficit to 16-9. This incident echoes a similar situation from the previous year when Gano suffered a hamstring injury, forcing Gillan into kicking duties during a game against Washington.
Why It's Important?
The injury to Graham Gano and the subsequent kicking issues highlight the vulnerability of the Giants' special teams unit. Reliable kicking is crucial in close games, and the inability to convert extra points or field goals can significantly impact a team's chances of winning. The Giants' reliance on a punter for kicking duties underscores the need for depth and contingency planning in the roster. This situation could affect the Giants' performance in upcoming games, potentially influencing their standings in the NFL season.
What's Next?
The Giants will need to assess Gano's injury and determine his availability for future games. If Gano is unable to play, the team may need to explore alternative options for the kicker position, either by signing a free agent or promoting from within. The Giants' coaching staff will likely focus on improving special teams performance to avoid similar issues in upcoming matches. The team's management may also consider long-term solutions to bolster their kicking unit.
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