Giants vs. Jets live updates: Graham Gano kicking through pain despite swollen left knee

EAST RUTHERFORD - Graham Gano popped up on the Giants' injury report two weeks ago with a left knee injury. And while the veteran kicker has refused to allow that to keep him from doing his job, the issue is something he will have to deal with for the remainder of the season.

Gano told NorthJersey.com that he will need surgery to fix the problem in his left knee, which has considerable swelling. He is receiving extensive treatment during the week to assure that he is able to kick on game days, and this past week Gano participated in practice, so he is not on the injury report.

Still, Gano admits he is in pain and is being diligent on making sure the injury does not affect his kicks.

"Not really sure what happened. Was just kicking and felt it," Gano said. "There’s damage in the knee. Need surgery at some point. It’s one of those things, either I get it now and have to sit out for a while, and then eventually have another one after the season. Or just keep fighting through the pain, keep kicking and just have one. So, that’s my goal, that’s my mindset. Lucky to have some of the best doctors and trainers in the whole country, and in the world, to be honest. They’re doing a fantastic job. It’s just one of those things, manage it week in and week out, and just going out and make my kicks."

Gano missed a 42-yarder in the first quarter in the Giants' 14-7 victory over Washington last Sunday. He said he struck the ball well, and that the kick got caught up in a swirling wind that took the attempt wide right.

"I feel like I’m hitting the ball well. Obviously, if it’s something that, if I’m not kicking great, it’s something they’ll chat with me about," Gano said. "But I plan on kicking well. Everybody at some point has to deal with some adversity and pain. That’s nothing new. It’s encouraging news that keeping on kicking won’t further mess it up. Just looking forward to making more kicks."

Tyrod Taylor set for third straight start

Tyrod Taylor was asked this week what it means to be the first Black quarterback to win a start for the New York Giants.

"It means a lot. I didn’t know that going into [last Sunday's 14-7 victory over Washington]," Taylor said. "If I'm not mistaken, I think I did it at another organization as well [Los Angeles Chargers]. But I mean, it's history. Proud to be part of it."

Taylor will get his third consecutive start with Daniel Jones again ruled out with a neck injury against the Jets as the MetLife Stadium co-tenants renew their rivalry Sunday afternoon. Taylor has showed good command of the offense, navigating the pocket well and taking chances downfield, to rookie Jalin Hyatt in particular.

Now the 33-year-old is going to have to find a way to make even more happen against the Jets' vaunted defense led by defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner.

“I’m always going to be the same person day in and day out from a preparation standpoint and as a leader, just sharing what I can with the team," Taylor said. "Whether it’s me actually out there contributing, or me doing stuff from a leadership role.”

With Taylor as a starter this season, the Giants (2-5) came within a final throw to Darren Waller from the goal line on the game's final play of pulling off the upset. Then, they returned home from that loss and defeated the Commanders as Taylor threw two touchdown passes as the Giants snapped a four-game losing streak.

Taylor has not thrown an interception in 80 pass attempts this season and has pushed the ball down the field, completing six passes for more than 20 yards.

“I feel comfortable in our offense,” Taylor said. “I feel comfortable with the playmakers that we have outside. It’s up to me, obviously, to get the ball to those guys, so just trying to spread it around as much as possible, and a lot of those guys can create plays.”

Keep checking back for more updates and in-game analysis throughout.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants vs. Jets: Live updates and in-game analysis from NFL Week 8