The New York Giants have officially released veteran punter, Matt Haack, signaling that regular punter Jamie Gillan is likely ready to return after recovering from a left hamstring injury. Although Gillan has missed the past four games, the Giants chose not to place him on injured reserve, suggesting they expected a relatively quick recovery.
Haack, an experienced NFL punter in his eighth season, stepped in to handle punting duties during Gillan’s absence. Over his four-game stretch with the Giants, Haack averaged 47.0 yards per punt, with a net average of 39.6 yards. Before his injury, Gillan had been averaging slightly higher at 47.8 yards per punt, with a net average of 42.3 yards, reflecting his strong performance.
The Giants’ special teams unit might return to its original 2024 lineup as soon as this Sunday in their matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Brian Daboll mentioned on Monday that starting placekicker Graham Gano, who has been on injured reserve since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2, could also be close to rejoining the team. In Gano’s absence, Greg Joseph initially took over placekicking duties for six games. However, rookie Jude McAtamney, elevated from the practice squad, stepped in as placekicker last Sunday against the Washington Commanders after Joseph landed on IR with an oblique injury.
In a separate move, the Giants are set to add rookie offensive lineman Bryan Hudson to their practice squad. Recently released from the New England Patriots practice squad, Hudson is a center who played college football at Louisville but went undrafted. The addition of Hudson aims to provide the Giants with more depth on the offensive line as they continue to address roster needs throughout the season.
