The New York Giants continued their search for kicking stability Thursday, hosting undrafted rookie Ben Sauls for a workout amid growing concerns over veteran Graham Gano’s availability.
Gano, 38, disclosed a herniated disc in his neck pressing on his spinal cord, sidelining him from practice this week. The injury, which began as discomfort last week and worsened after a Monday lifting session, prompted a spinal injection on Wednesday.
If Gano misses Friday’s session, he’s likely out for Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears. This marks another blow for Gano, who’s appeared in just five of the Giants’ nine games this season, hampered by other ailments.
New York’s kicking carousel has spun wildly since 2022, cycling through replacements like Randy Bullock, Mason Crosby, and Greg Joseph. Currently, the practice squad holds Jude McAtamney and Younghoe Koo as backups.
McAtamney, elevated three times this year plus once in 2024, has exhausted his allotment after recent extra-point misses led to a brief cut and re-signing. Koo, an ex-Falcons standout with three elevations left, impressed in simulated drills and is the frontrunner if needed, per coach Brian Daboll.
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Sauls, a 24-year-old Ohio native and Pittsburgh product, brings college pedigree: a 2022 Sun Bowl hero with five field goals, including a 47-yard game-winner, plus 2024 Third Team All-ACC honors and a Lou Groza semifinalist nod.
After stints on the Steelers’ and Falcons’ practice squad — waived by Atlanta on November 4 — he remains a free agent. The Giants did not sign him immediately, leaving options open as they brace for potential chaos in Chicago
