Change is in the air in East Rutherford. The New York Giants fell to 2-8 with last Sunday’s collapse against the Chicago Bears. It’s the third straight season New York has started 2-8. After the latest crushing defeat, the Giants fired Brian Daboll. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will take the reins in New York as interim head coach.
Kafka will oversee a new-look offense in Week 11. The team has already decided to start Jameis Winston, with Jaxson Dart in the concussion protocol. And New York could have a new kicker as well. While Youghoe Koo will likely keep the job after a solid debut last Sunday, the Giants added Ben Sauls to the practice squad.
The addition of the undrafted free agent was necessary after the team placed Graham Gano on injured reserve, per Ian Rapoport. The veteran kicker sat out New York’s loss to the Bears with a neck injury.
Giants lose Graham Gano to IR for second time in 2025
The IR move will sideline Gano for a minimum of four games. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 16. But with the Giants playing out a lost season, there’s no need to rush the 38-year-old kicker’s return.
Gano is in his sixth season with New York and his 16th in the NFL. While he had been a reliable weapon for the Giants early on, injuries have wrecked his last three seasons. Gano missed nine games in 2023 and seven games in 2024. This year he’s only been available for five matchups.
Koo hit both his field goal attempts and two extra-point tries in his New York debut last Sunday. His performance – and experience – should earn him the opportunity to kick for the team against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11. Sauls, the Giants' other option, has yet to suit up for an NFL game.
While New York contemplates its kickers, the team will go with Winston over Russell Wilson at quarterback with Dart sidelined. It’s the fourth time Dart has been evaluated for a concussion in his rookie season.
