New York Giants Release Kicker After Missed Extra Points in Narrow Broncos Loss

The New York Giants released kicker Jude McAtamney after he missed two critical extra points in their narrow 33-32 loss to the Denver Broncos, a defeat that saw Denver score all 33 points in the fourth quarter. McAtamney, a 25-year-old from Northern Ireland and part of the NFL's international player pathway program, had stepped up following an injury to regular kicker Graham Gano, performing well in previous games including a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite some support from fans, the missed kicks were pivotal in the loss, prompting criticism from former NFL kickers and the Giants' decision to cut him. McAtamney is eligible to return to the Giants' practice squad without using a roster spot due to his international exemption. The Giants are now looking toward the potential return of Gano from injured reserve, with veteran Younghoe Koo also on the practice squad as depth. This kicking shuffle reflects the Giants' ongoing efforts to find stability in their special teams unit amid a season of inconsistency.