Graham Gano was added to the Giants’ injury report on Saturday with a groin issue. The veteran kicker then suffered a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff of New York’s Week 2 loss, and the latter ailment has him set to miss time.

When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Brian Daboll said Gano will be sidelined for “a few weeks” (h/t ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). Daboll added the team will host free agent workouts to evaluate options, while Jude McAtamney is currently in place on the practice squad. This marks the second consecutive season in which Gano has suffered an injury which requires a multi-week absence.

The 37-year-old was limited to eight games in 2023 due to a knee injury which required surgery and landed him on injured reserve. This latest ailment altered New York’s approach to Sunday’s game. Punter Jamie Gillan attempted an extra point after the team’s first touchdown but missed. The Giants then unsuccessfully attempted a two-point conversion after their other two scores, and were stopped on a fourth-and-four while within field range (under normal circumstances) late in the fourth quarter.

New York made history by scoring three touchdowns in a contest while not allowing any but still losing in regulation time. Missing Gano played a role in that, and replacing him during the coming days will be an obvious priority. With roughly $5.8MM in cap space, the team should be able to add a free agent kicker relatively easily. McAtamney does not have any regular season experience, so it would come as no surprise if a veteran option were to be added in short order.

Randy Bullock and Mason Crosby handled kicking duties for the Giants last season after Gano went down. Both are on the open market at the moment, as is Cade York (who spent time on New York’s practice squad in 2023 but did not see any game action). York briefly returned to the Browns before being traded to the Commanders. He was let go in favor of Austin Seibert, however, and it was the latter who went seven-for-seven on field goals yesterday to help Washington win.

Placing Gano on injured reserve would ensure at least a four-week absence. Keeping him on the active roster while injured for a shorter period will be an option, albeit an usual route given that teams typically only keep one available kicker in the fold at any given time. While a decision on that front is made, the Giants will once again look for a midseason replacement.