Giants’ Kicking Game Stands on Gano’s Health
The New York Giants are placing their hopes squarely on Graham Gano as they head into Week 8. Despite some anxiety surrounding his health, the decision to keep Gano as the sole kicker on the roster is a calculated gamble by the Giants’ coaching staff.
Gano’s Injury History Raises Concerns
Gano has missed the past four games due to a groin injury sustained during pre-game warmups in Week 3. His track record with the Giants has been a mixed bag; while he was a reliable kicker early in his tenure, injuries have plagued him over the last three seasons. After playing every game in his first three years with the team, he has been sidelined for 20 games since then.
This chronic injury issue raises valid concerns about Gano’s long-term reliability. However, given the current injury crisis at other positions, the Giants felt they could not afford to occupy a roster spot with a backup kicker who would likely remain inactive.
Roster Adjustments Amid Injury Woes
The Giants are facing multiple injury challenges. Safety Jevon Holland has been ruled out for the upcoming game, prompting Dane Belton—known for his special teams prowess—to step into a starting role. This adjustment necessitates Raheem Layne’s elevation from the practice squad to provide depth at safety and cover special teams.
Additionally, wide receiver Darius Slayton, who has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, was limited in practice this week. This uncertainty led the Giants to elevate Lil’Jordan Humphrey as a precautionary measure in case Slayton’s condition worsens.
Risk vs. Reward with Gano
The question looms: are the Giants risking too much by relying solely on Gano? While any player is susceptible to injury, the silver lining is that Gano has been able to participate fully in practice, taking between 20 to 45 kicks over two days without needing to reduce his workload. When healthy, Gano has proven to be a dependable kicker. He hasn’t missed an extra point in the last three seasons, a consistency the Giants desperately missed in their recent losses.
If Gano is indeed fully fit, he brings a long-range kicking ability that has been absent since his injury. Over the last three seasons, he has successfully converted six of seven field goals from 50-plus yards, a crucial asset in tight games.
A Delicate Balance
The Giants find themselves in a precarious situation regarding their kicking game. Gano’s injury history does not provide a comforting backdrop as they prepare for the next challenge. However, the organization has made a strategic choice, prioritizing their most pressing needs elsewhere on the roster. As they navigate these obstacles, the hope remains that Gano can remain healthy and deliver when it matters most.
