The New York Giants‘ ongoing challenges with the kicker position have carried over into the 2025 season, highlighting persistent concerns under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

Just a few weeks ago, in the wake of the Giants’ disheartening late-fourth-quarter collapse against the Denver Broncos, the team added veteran kicker Younghoe Koo to its practice squad. At the time, the Giants’ kicking situation remained unresolved, underscoring the urgency for stability at this critical role.

With veteran Graham Gano sidelined by injury, Koo is set to take over as the Giants’ kicker for Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears — a poetic full-circle moment for the former Atlanta Falcons standout.

A post-immigration native of the New York area, Koo honed his skills at Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where he excelled as both a kicker and special teams player after immigrating from South Korea at age 12.

Koo launched his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers before enjoying a successful six-year tenure with the Falcons. He was released just five days before the Giants signed him to their practice squad, providing a timely boost to New York’s special teams unit.

On Sunday, Koo will suit up for a Giants squad whose East Rutherford headquarters sit just a short drive from his Ridgewood alma mater, adding a layer of hometown motivation to the performance.

Giants fans are optimistic that Koo can deliver greater reliability than Jude McAtamney, who struggled in his earlier fill-in appearances for Gano this season. As the Giants navigate their kicking crisis, Koo’s experience could prove pivotal in turning the tide for New York’s special teams.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Younghoe Koo’s NFL journey comes full circle with Giants in Week 10