New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll made a masterful move to add a potentially key player to his defense. After releasing kicker Jude McAtamney, who missed two crucial extra points in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Giants were able to sign defensive lineman Elijah Garcia to their practice squad and still bring back their kicker.
At first glance, the move seemed confusing, but it was entirely legal. Daboll discovered a way to release McAtamney, sign Garcia, and then reintroduce McAtamney into the mix. How did he pull it off?
The clever way Brian Daboll added two players to the Giants
Doug Rush of FanSided broke down the situation clearly. Jude McAtamney is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, meaning he doesn’t count against New York’s roster limit. This rule allows the Giants to carry 17 players on their practice squad instead of the usual 16, specifically due to McAtamney’s international designation.
Since McAtamney was born in Ireland, his status exempts him from the team’s roster cap, even after he was cut following last weekend’s game against the Broncos. That loophole gave Daboll the flexibility to temporarily remove and then reinstate his kicker while simultaneously adding Garcia.
Jude McAtamney returns to the Giants but still raises concerns
Over the last three games, McAtamney has missed three extra points, costly errors that have hurt the Giants’ chances. The most painful of them came in Week 7 against Denver, where his mistakes overshadowed an otherwise solid offensive performance.
Jaxson Dart had delivered an excellent outing, but the kicker’s miscues proved decisive, undermining the team’s effort.
It’s on me. I missed vital points at vital times today. I’m not going to shy away from that,
Said the Giants kicker after the game, acknowledging his responsibility for the defeat in which his missed kicks played a crucial role.
Does Brian Daboll still trust Jude McAtamney heading into Week 8?
The Giants released McAtamney, only to re-sign him less than 24 hours later. His quick return sparked questions about whether Daboll still trusts him to handle the kicking duties moving forward, especially after such high-profile mistakes.
McAtamney originally stepped in for veteran Graham Gano, who has been sidelined with a groin injury. Reports suggest Gano could be ready to return this weekend, likely reclaiming his spot as the starting kicker. If that happens, McAtamney would remain on the practice squad as insurance for future games.
For now, Giants fans can exhale. Daboll’s roster maneuvering ensures the team has coverage at both positions while staying within league rules.
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