Former Derry U-20 GAA participant Jude McAtamney has taken a step nearer to creating his NFL debut for the New York Giants.
The Giants’ beginning kicker Graham Gano is ready to be out for numerous weeks after aggravating a hamstring harm throughout Sunday’s 21-18 loss to Washington Commanders.
McAtamney, who’s signed to the Giants practice squad, impressed this summer season and featured in pre-season video games after becoming a member of the organisation as a free agent.
As a part of the Worldwide Participant Pathway, he’s eligible for a spot on the observe squad for 3 seasons however was not elevated to the energetic roster for the weekend’s recreation and due to this fact unable to function.
The Giants have been left with no specialist kicker after Gano’s harm, with Scottish punter Jamie Gillan lacking their solely try at an additional level in a recreation they misplaced regardless of scoring three touchdowns to the Commanders’ none – their factors got here from seven area targets.
Head coach Brian Daboll advised reporters on Monday that the Giants would maintain an open exercise this week for a brand new kicker earlier than making a call on who will play in opposition to the Cleveland Browns this coming Sunday.
McAtamney, a 24-year-old from Swatragh, performed faculty soccer for Rutgers College in New Jersey for 2 seasons and gained an Ulster underage title with Derry in 2020.