It’s not every day the New York Giants bring in five punters for a workout, but when they do, fans can’t help but start speculating.
On Tuesday, the G-Men took a look at a snack aisle-sized variety of punters as Jamie Gillan deals with an undisclosed injury heading into Week 15. The full list included:
- Jake Camarda
- Cameron Johnston
- Pat O’Donnell
- Brad Robbins
- Ryan Stonehouse
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reported the punters were instructed to kick outdoors -- to get a better look at their legs in the cold and wind -- simulating the conditions at MetLife Stadium in December. Normally, this would be done indoors, but at 2-11, why not make sure your emergency punter for one week can handle Mother Nature in a season that’s been over for weeks?
Duggan also noted the G-Men made up their minds rather quickly, signing veteran Cameron Johnston to the practice squad, as Gillan's availability for Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders is up in the air.
While Johnston’s arrival might only be a one-week emergency move, it could also be the clearest sign yet that the Giants are re-evaluating their punter situation. Gillan’s inconsistencies -- and the nearly $2 million in cap savings if they move on post-June 1 (would have to eat some dead cap space) -- might be enough to push him out the door.
Giants might’ve just punted on Jamie Gillan’s future in New York
If you're going to have a nickname like the Scottish Hammer, you have to be the NFL embodiment of Thor. I'm talking more than the hair -- think Mjolner, the lightning, punts to the moon, footballs getting lost in Earth's orbit, the whole Norse... nine yards.
Unfortunately, the hopes Gillan eventually turns things around are something of Norse mythology themselves.
Something looks off about the 28-year-old this season. He's never lived up to his nickname, but this season feels especially different. The poor situational punting, unpredictable shanks, and overall poor net punting average (ranks 29th among starters) have gotten out of hand. He has become borderline unwatchable.
The Giants have consistently struggled with handling special teams injuries in the past. It looks like they've learned something from their ill-preparedness with Graham Gano's health in the past.
While Johnston’s addition might be just for relief, Big Blue could easily parlay it into a bigger offseason move. If Gillan can’t go Sunday, at least the Giants have a backup plan this time. Maybe all it'll take is another punter walking through the door to make them rethink keeping the Scottish Hammer around.