New York Giants to gain back three major playmakers way sooner than expected

New York Giants, Saquon Barkley
May 11, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley speaks to a reporter before rookie minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY SPORTS

The New York Giants will have had nine days to heal from last Thursday’s game against the New England Patriots to next Sunday versus the Arizona Cardinals.

Big Blue has been down three impactful playmakers in Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram. They managed to put up a competitive fight against New England but ultimately lacked the offensive firepower to score when most needed in the fourth quarter.

The New York Giants need to bring the same fight into week six:

Against the Cardinals, they will have a much easier time finding the end zone, but they must gain back their weapons; otherwise, it will be another tough day moving the chains. Barkley, who suffered a high ankle sprain against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers three weeks ago, is expected to return against Arizona at home.

He has made a miraculous recovery despite the Giants being cautious with his workload and ensuring he is 100% ready to return to lie to action. Running and cutting during practice only indicates so much, as being hit and wrapped around the ankle is an entirely different intensity. Playing it safe with their best player is ultimately the right thing to do.

When head coach Pat Shurmur was asked of his return next week, he stated:

“We will see.”

As for shepherd, who suffered a second concussion two weeks ago, he has been practicing fully with the Giants as well. Most considered his return improbable against the Cardinals, considering the problems that accompany concussions, but his return is pending a timetable.

He may miss next week’s game and return in week seven against the Detroit Lions. Sheperd has been solid this year, racking up 267 yards and one touchdown over three games. He has been rookie quarterbacks Daniel Jones’ top receiver, and his absence has undoubtedly hurt the efficiency of the team.

The third playmaker is tight end, Evan Engram, who is having a career-year and has been Jones’ top security blanket in the passing game. After going down with a sprained MCL, Engram missed last Thursday’s game against New England as well.

His 373 yards over five games has been the most in that period during his career. He has a 68.8% catch rate, which is also solid for the tight end. In 2018, Engram averaged 52.5 yards per game, and the season he’s posting a 74.6 average. The departure of Odell Beckham Jr. undoubtedly helped increase his statistical totals, and he will continue to be a focal point for the offense and head coach Pat Shurmur. We can expect him to return against the Cardinals as well.