New York Giants: Injury Bug Could Thwart Early Season Turnaround

New York Giants, Evan Engram
Oct 8, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during warm up before game against Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

It’s just one of those seasons. You know, a season where the roster looks good on paper, but a number of the key players miss time because of factors outside of their control. Namely, those factors include injuries. The New York Giants have been in a bad place for most of the season up until now, when they picked up their first win after defeating the Houston Texans on the road. However, not exactly everything has gone right.

Olivier Vernon has been out since before the season, not playing against Houston because of a high ankle sprain. It’s been a hit to the team’s pass rushing capabilities, especially after Jason Pierre-Paul moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“There are going to be all different types of paths along the way. This is just my path right now. Just have to fix it and be all right,” Vernon said during the buildup to the Houston game. There’s no set date for his return, and while the Giants managed to win anyway, his presence is a big deal for the defensive line. He’s not a player that anyone wants to lose long term.

And then there’s Evan Engram, who only had one catch before he was injured in the Houston game. The tight end was talked about a lot in the preseason, and was expected to step up and provide another consistent weapon in the passing game next to Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. One of the main arguments in favor of the Giants offense this year was that they have numerous ways to score, whether it’s with receiving depth or a recently revitalized running game led by Saquon Barkley.

Engram was meant to be a big part of that. It’s not known how long he’ll be out, but a prolonged loss would definitely have a major negative impact on the passing attack. But Engram and Vernon aren’t the only Giants that are currently injured. Eli Apple missed the Houston game because of a groin injury that was picked up against Dallas, and while Apple has had a rocky career at best, cornerback is not a position that the Giants can afford losses at.

Jon Halapio’s season is also over because of a leg injury, a blow to the offensive line after fellow center Brett Jones was traded to the Vikings just before the first game. The Giants are working hard to bounce back following their 0-2 start, and their efforts have already shown with the first win of the season.

But if the turnaround slows down? Don’t just blame the coaching staff and the players for it. Blame the fact that we’re only three games in, and the team is already being struck by the injury bug.