New York Giants: OLB Olivier Vernon, CB Eli Apple Injury Update

Aug 1, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) looks on from the field during training camp in East Rutherford. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK

With the New York Giants preparing to face off against a high-octane New Orleans Saints offense, several influential defensive players are nursing injuries. Outside linebacker Olivier Vernon has yet to play in a regular season game and Eli Apple missed week 3 with a groin injury.

Vernon has been taking his high ankle-sprain day-by-day, but there has been minimal progress in his eventual return. This week, he was able to practice in limited fashion, partaking in a few individual drills, but not much more. On Thursday, his work load thinned out even more, which would indicate that he may have aggrevated the injury or is just taking a precautionary measure.

When asked about his injury, Vernon stated:

“Honestly you have to ask Coach Shurmur for that one,” Vernon said. “But all I could do is be out there (for practice) and when I’m out there healthy and just go from there.”

How has CB Eli Apple looked?

Apple returned to practice on Thursday, albeit in a limited fashion as well. The main priority here is that he participated, which could indicate that he might be able to give it a go on Sunday against the Saints. If Apple were to start, he would likely match up against Tedd Ginn Jr., the Saints’ speedster receiver. Additionally, he would be a big help for the linebackers and safeties trying to contain RB Alvin Kamra.

Other injury news:

DT Damon Harrison (knee), WR Cody Latimer (knee), RB Jonathan Stewart (foot) all sat out practice. According to Pat Shurmur, the absent players were taking a few days off due to wear and tear.

TE Evan Engram is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a sprained MCL in his right knee.