The New York Giants have had terrible luck with injuries in the wide receiver corps. It seems as if some of the Yankees bad luck has spilled over into the other local teams. However, Big Blue received good news on Thursday afternoon as two pass-catchers will likely return to the offense on Sunday.
With rookie passer de-throning Eli Manning and set to start on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccanneers, he will not only gain back top receiver Sterling Shepard but likely Darius Slayton as well.
Slayton, who has struggled with a hamstring injury for several weeks, participated in individual drills on Thursday and feels ready to test his ailment in live-action. This would make week three his NFL debut — perfect timing to provide Jones with some much-needed artillery.
Bennie Fowler picked up a hamstring injury on Wednesday which could affect his ability to play on Sunday, but gaining back a serious threat like Slayton should provide a nice boost for the offense.
Playing in just one game, Slayton caught one pass for 27-yards during the preseason (NFL.com). His lack of exposure to NFL talent in live-action could limit his reps and overall production, but having another robust set of hands to utilize will be beneficial nonetheless.
What will the New York Giants receiving corps look like on Sunday?
1.) Sterling Shepard
2.) Bennie Fowler (Hamstring)
3.) Russell Shepard
4.) TJ Jones
5.) Darius Slayton
Shepard’s return will be beneficial for Jones, who will have his top slot-option back. Expect to see a lot of Sterling in the first half and a stable dosage of Saquon Barkley early and often. The Giants will attempt to establish the run game on a Bruce Arians team that tends to stack the box.
If Tampa’s defense plays close to the line of scrimmage, Shurmur will increase RPOs and run the play-action. Jones has the mobility to not only move out of the pocket quickly but to also pick up yards with his legs. The difference in moving the chains should be exciting to see.