With the New York Giants coming off a devastating loss to the Carolina Panthers on a 63 yard field goal, most would think the team is demoralized and vulnerable. Head coach Pat Shurmur insisted otherwise, saying his team have already gotten over the defeat and are focuses on the Eagles.
Despite the result against the Panthers, Thursday night represents the Giants’ last hopes at staying in the division race. They’re currently 1-4 and are just 1.5 games back with the Redskins at 2-2. The chance to get on the right track starts with Philadelphia, but it will not be an easy feat.
The Giants still waiting on the return of star pass-rusher Olivier Vernon and tight end Evan Engram. Shurmur stated that both have practiced in a limited fashion this week but he’s confident they can feature on Thursday night. My only issue with this reassurance is that it comes just about every week, and we have yet to see Vernon start a regular season game.
New York Giants – TE Evan Engram
Engram finished both Monday and Tuesday’s practices with a limited designation, but it’s a step up from last week. He must first pass the physical test, but next is the mental one.
“I have good confidence. I feel good, but today is going to be the full test for me mentally and physically,†Engram said on Tuesday.
New York Giants – OLB Olivier Vernon
Vernon stated himself that he’s very optimistic in regard to his return this week. According to Shurmur, there’s nobody that wants to be on the field more than OV, but injuries like his take time to heal. While it’s intelligent to ensure his injury is behind him but being cautious, the Giants need his presence badly after recording just two sacks in the last two weeks. They currently rank dead last in the league in sack production with just seven total.
Vernon earned himself a limited participant tag so far in the week, but he’s going to need a full designation before being unleashed on game-day.