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.â€
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.