Giants’ Key Player Doubtful to Return After Early Injury in Week 2

New York Giants kick Graham Gano aggravated a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff against the Washington Commanders in Week 2 and is doubtful to return to the game. 

Gano’s absence leaves the Giants without a player who is primarily a kicker in the game, with place-kicking responsibilities likely falling to punter Jamie Gillan. 

Gano suffered the injury when trying to chase down Commanders’ returner Austin Ekeler, who scored on the play. However, the touchdown was called back for a holding penalty.

Gillan has attempted two field goals in his NFL career, one in 2020 and another last season. He is 1-for-2 all-time with a 40-yard attempt going through the uprights. 

Gano was added to the Giants injury list on Saturday with the team choosing to not elevate Jude McAtamney from the practice squad. 

For the Giants second kickoff of the day, Gillan successfully botted the ball through the back of the end zone for a touchback. 

Gillan did miss the extra point after New York scored on its opening touchdown of the game, leaving an opening for Washington to capitalize on. 

Gillan may be remembered for being trapped in Europe after his visa to re-enter the country was not accepted after a game against the Green Bay Packers in 2022. 

U.S. diplomats had to intervene to make Gillan available to travel for New York’s game the next week against the Ravens. 

Gillan went undrafted in 2019 after a career at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. 

Gillan had his first punt of the day on the Giants second possession midway throught the second quarter.