McAtamney to make NFL debut against Washington

Former Derry U-20 GAA player Jude McAtamney will make his NFL debut for the New York Giants on Sunday.

The Giants announced on Friday that current starting kicker Greg Joseph would be out of Sunday’s meeting with the Washington Commanders with an abdomen injury.

With punter Jamie Gillan also out, the chances of Swatragh man McAtamney making his competitive bow in the NFL increased.

And on Saturday it was confirmed that he had been elevated to the active roster for this weekend’s game.

The 24-year-old, who is part of the Giants practice squad, impressed this summer and featured in pre-season games after joining the organisation as a free agent.

As part of the International Player Pathway, he is eligible for a place on the practice squad for three seasons.

Joseph was signed to replace Graham Gano, who aggravated a hamstring injury in a 21-18 loss to Washington in September, but he is now set to miss at least four games through his own injury.

“I’m just preparing every week to be ready, even if I’m not playing,” McAtamney told BBC Sport NI in New York in October.

“Every week is a learning opportunity, and I feel like I’m learning and getting better as time goes on.”