New York Giants: Evan Engram Explains Minicamp Absence, Being Smart

New York Giants, Evan Engram
Aug 11, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a preseason game against ]the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Plenty of players showed up to minicamp for the New York Giants last week and showed flashes of what fans should expect from the season coming up this fall, but one of the notable players missing was one that’s expected to play a big role on the offense in 2019: tight end Evan Engram, who dealt with injuries last year and seems to still be struggling with that right now. While some might be disappointed by Engram’s absence, it’s not because the player himself didn’t want to turn up to training camp.

Engram spoke with NJ Advance Media and claimed that it’s the team’s decision to keep him out of minicamp. “Just the Giants being a little pre-cautious. Since day one, anything, they are going to be smart with, especially in the offseason,” Engram said. It would seem that the team doesn’t want to risk a projected starter going out with an injury before the season can even begin.

“Not my choice. One hundred percent,” Engram reaffirmed.

Fans should, however, expect to see Engram back in training camp, which is also when left tackle Nate Solder should hopefully make a return. Solder underwent ankle surgery and missed minicamp due to undergoing ankle surgery – but it looks like the Giants are taking a safer and more conservative approach across the board, as Solder hasn’t completely committed yet to a return by training camp.

As for Engram, the tight end has predicted improvements for the receiving corps and the tight ends, a group that includes himself. “That receiver room right now is going crazy in practice. All of them look really good. The tight ends are getting so much better. We’re making plays.”

“Everybody is improved, and we’re definitely excited about this group. We feel like we have enough to compete and try to be one of the best offenses in the league,” Engram continued.

With other players expected to take larger roles this season such as Sterling Shepard and new addition Golden Tate, Engram might just find himself with more openings which could lead to a breakout season of his own, assuming his current injury problems can be avoided during the regular season.