Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!
While New York Giants’ top wide receiver Sterling Shepard will miss Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, his recovery is going far better than most anticipated initially. After suffering his second concussion of the season against the Minnesota Vikings in week five, Shepard was forced to miss last Thursday’s gamer against the New England Patriots.
Some believed that Shep could miss several months, as numerous concussions in a season can be detrimental to one’s health. The pass-catcher has been sporting yellow non-contact jersey during individual drills in practice, but his designation against the Cardinals is “out.”
However, there’s hope that he will return against the Detroit Lions next week, but that’s still uncertain.
WR Sterling Shepard (concussion) not going to be cleared this week given situation, per sources. Out Sunday vs. Arizona. Even next week uncertain. Been practicing w/non-contact jersey but a lot to be taken into consideration considering he suffered 2 concussions in four-week span
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 18, 2019
In the absence of Shepard, Golden Tate and Evan Engram will see increased roles. Engram is returning after missing last week due to a sprain MCL. Having the tight end available will be a massive boost for rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, considering how successful they had been together before the injury.
Engram is a massive part of the offense and has been a focal point so far this season. Racking up 373 yards and two scores over five games, he’s on pace for 1,119 yards (includes missed game) and six scores. He would not only be the Giants’ best receiver if those numbers come to fruition, but he’d be an established option for Jones moving forward. In just his third season, the Giants still have control over him for two more seasons, which is a very positive fact.
Saquon Barkley making a return:
Saquon Barkley will be available against Arizona on Sunday, as well as backup, Wayne Gallman. Barkley has been taking his high ankle sprain day-by-day but stated earlier in the week that it would be able to hold up in live-action. The Giants will undoubtedly take the safe route with their star running back, but at 2-4, they have no time to waste.
I anticipate the Giants fully unleashing Barkley, as playing him conservatively would not be worth activating him. If he’s ready to go, we should expect him to get close toa full workload.
Nonetheless–
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