The New York Giants have parted ways with kicker Jude McAtamney following his two missed extra points in a 33-32 loss to the Denver Broncos, a defeat that highlighted the high stakes and pressure associated with the kicking position in the NFL.
McAtamney was placed on waivers Monday, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, ending his brief stint with the Giants. The missed kicks directly affected the outcome of the game, leaving the team without a reliable option for such a crucial role.
McAtamney acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his position.
“I’m a professional kicker. I’ve got to be able to make those,” he said, reflecting on the expectations and the high-pressure nature of NFL kicking.
The Giants now face the task of quickly identifying a replacement for the upcoming NFC East game against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, on Sunday, October 26.
Why was Jude McAtamney cut?
McAtamney‘s release demonstrates how unforgiving the NFL can be, especially for specialists like kickers, whose mistakes are often magnified in close contests. Even minor lapses can directly affect the result, forcing teams to make immediate roster changes.
The timing of the decision shows the Giants‘ urgency in addressing a weakness that could influence playoff positioning.
With the NFC East still competitive, every point matters, and a reliable kicker can be the difference between a win and a costly defeat.
Though McAtamney had shown promise during training camp and preseason, the missed extra points exposed inconsistency in a role where precision is critical.
The Giants‘ front office and coaching staff determined that a change was necessary to avoid similar issues in future games.
Veteran Graham Gano, if activated, would bring years of experience and a proven track record of clutch performance, while Younghoe Koo provides a younger alternative with recent NFL experience, giving the Giants flexibility in managing the position.
The decision also reinforces the organization’s emphasis on accountability, showing that performance directly impacts roster status, even for players in specialized positions such as kicking.
Looking ahead, the Giants will rely heavily on their replacement kicker to restore confidence in special teams, particularly in high-pressure situations that could determine the outcome of games.
New York will face the Eagles on Sunday, October 26, at 13:00 ET/10:00 PT at Lincoln Financial Field. The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX, with local coverage available on YES Network.
Rookie QB Jaxson Dart will start against Eagles star Jalen Hurts and will hope his kicker an actually deliver under pressure this time, should he be needed.
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