NFL

Giants’ special teams duo primed to return from injury in Germany

MUNICH — The Giants’ kicking specialists are likely set for a full reunion Sunday.

Kicker Graham Gano, who has missed the past seven games with a hamstring injury, is expected to make his return against the Panthers.

He is officially listed as questionable and was limited in Friday’s practice.

Daboll said it was “looking positive” Gano will be able to play.

Giants place kicker Graham Gano speaks to the media after practice in East Rutherford, N.J. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Jude McAtamney — who was elevated off the practice squad and made his NFL debut during last week’s loss to the Commanders — also hinted Friday that he’s not expecting to play again Sunday.

Punter Jamie Gillan, who missed the past four games with a hamstring injury of his own, did not carry any injury designation Friday, meaning he is good to go.

Matt Haack filled in for Gillan and struggled.

He averaged just 39 net yards per punt — 30th in the NFL. Gillan, for comparison, averaged 42.3 — 15th in the league.

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (9) kicks a field goal as Jamie Gillan (6) holds in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Houston AP

Safety Jason Pinnock is listed as questionable with an abdomen injury, but Daboll was not optimistic he will play Sunday.

“Pinnock is a concern for the game,” Daboll said. “I wouldn’t rule him out, but he’s probably the one.”

Pinnock did not practice Friday.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) is tackled by New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (27) after catching a pass during a game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

But Chris Hubbard, who has started the past two games at left tackle in place of the injured Andrew Thomas and benched Joshua Ezeudu, will play Sunday after dealing with an illness earlier in the week.


Daboll met and talked with Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany on Friday and had a lot of praise. Kompany is in his first season in charge after an illustrious career as a player.

“He was a heck of a player,” Daboll said. “I got to do a little bit of research and watch him. He was certainly a tough player, as well, and he’s done a nice job here. I had a few minutes with him just before I got in here. Smart. It was a good conversation with him. So, wish him well.”


The Giants got varying amounts of sleep and rest on their flight over to Munich.

But Malik Nabers slept like a baby — with a little help.

“I stayed up the night before a little overboard,” Nabers said. “I also took some sleeping medicine. When I got on that plane, I put the seat back and I was out. I slept the whole time. I was knocked out.”

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