New York Giants: Evan Engram injury update, Giants could pass on his fifth-year option

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

The New York Giants have struggled to find a consistent tight end that doesn’t succumb to injury every season. Both Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison failed to stay on the football field in 2019, forcing the Giants to resort to rookie, Kaden Smith, who emerged as a fantastic option in the passing game down the stretch.

The emergence of Smith gives the Giants a bit of hope at the position, especially with Engram undergoing surgery three months ago and still using a walking boot to support his foot. Engram has missed nearly an entire season of play over the past two seasons. He was expected to be a significant part of the Giants’ offense in 2019 but only managed to 467 yards and three scores.

Engram’s yardage totals were the lowest of his three-year career, which makes the Giants picking up his fifth-year option unlikely.

The New York Giants should be concerned over Engram’s health:

The scary part of Engram’s recovery is that he is still in a walking boot after three months of healing. He’s not expected to return to training camp, reports the New York Post.

Engram remains in a walking boot after his late December foot surgery. He is one of the NFL’s best receiving tight ends when healthy but has missed 14 games due to injury in his three-year career.

The Giants must decide by May whether to pick up Engram’s fifth-year contract option for 2021. He is expected to be sidelined until training camp.

While Engram is an extremely talented pass catcher, he struggles in the run game as a blocker. Factor in his inability to stay healthy, and the Giants have an important decision to make regarding his future. I believe GM Dave Gettleman should be looking for a trade partner, as a third-round pick would get the deal done from my perspective. Not being able to stay on the field doesn’t help the team, but a potential starting player in the third round undoubtedly does.