New York Giants Sign Kicker Randy Bullock to Practice Squad
By [Your Name], Staff Writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants have made a significant move to address their kicking situation, signing veteran kicker Randy Bullock to the practice squad. This decision comes as Graham Gano, the team’s primary kicker, is set to undergo surgery on his left knee, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Gano has been battling the knee problem for several weeks, attempting to play through the pain. However, his struggles were evident in Sunday’s heartbreaking 13-10 overtime loss to the New York Jets, where he missed two crucial field goals, including a 35-yard attempt in the final minute.
Following the game, Gano took full responsibility for his performance, stating, “I have no excuses. That’s not who I am. I’m sure some people want me to sit up here and make excuses. I’ve got none. I’ve got to play better. It’s frustrating, I know the team played well. I just didn’t. I’ve got to play better.”
Despite Gano’s determination to continue playing, Coach Brian Daboll expressed confidence in his health. However, it has now been confirmed that Gano will be placed on injured reserve and undergo surgery later this week. The extent of his absence from the field is yet to be determined, a source revealed.
In light of Gano’s absence, the Giants have turned to Randy Bullock, a seasoned kicker with a successful track record. Bullock, 33, previously played for the Tennessee Titans, where he achieved an impressive 85% success rate on field goal attempts.
The Giants held a tryout session on Thursday, evaluating several kickers, including Bullock, former Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby, and Robbie Gould, who most recently played for the San Francisco 49ers. Ultimately, Bullock’s performance during the tryout earned him a spot on the team.
Gano, who has been a reliable player for the Giants in recent seasons, was rewarded with a three-year, $16.5 million contract extension during the offseason. He boasted an impressive 92% field goal success rate in his first three years with the team. However, this season has been challenging for Gano, as he has struggled with a 64.7% success rate, coinciding with his knee injury.
The missed 35-yard field goal at the end of regulation on Sunday could potentially mark the end of Gano’s season. The play was not without controversy, as Jets defensive lineman Will McDonald leaped over the offensive line and was in Gano’s face during the kick. This interference may have contributed to the crucial miss, which was followed by an unexpected Jets comeback.
Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey criticized the play, referring to it as an “illegal play,” not because of McDonald’s leap over the long snapper and lineman, but due to his alignment. “You can’t cover the center, and he was covering the center,” McGaughey explained.
When asked about the league’s response to the play, Coach Brian Daboll chose to keep the details private, leaving fans and analysts curious about potential repercussions.