The New York Giants have to make a big decision on Evan Engram’s future

When Evan Engram first succumbed to a mid-foot sprain several weeks ago, the estimated timeline for return was 2-4 weeks. However, the New York Giants placed him on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his season prematurely and continuing a string of injury-riddled campaigns.

Going into his fourth year with Big Blue, Engram is looking to leave a significant mark on the third year of a Dave Gettleman rebuild, but it might be his last with the Giants. The team has from Dec. 30-May 5 to pick up the 5th year on his rookie contract. Still, after consistent injuries, the likelihood that he remains a Giant for longer than one more season is coming to an interesting conclusion.

“I wouldn’t rest for the rest of my career if I wasn’t able to be a part of something special here,” Engram told The Post. “We’ve had a lot of adversity, a lot of tough ones the last three years. I don’t imagine myself anywhere else, but you never know. I know better days are coming for myself and for this place.”

Engram is set to miss seven games this season after missing five in 2018, totaling 13. That’s nearly an entire year’s worth of games, which is troublesome for a team that’s in dire need of consistent players. Rookie TE Kaden Smith has stepped in valiantly in his absence, logging 135 yards and one score over five games.

Smith has supplemented the loss of Engram in a mediocre way, but with more game-experience and targets, he should continue to develop into a reliable tight end.

Could the New York Giants move ahead with Kaden Smith?

If the rookie shows more growth and can be a viable option to replace Engram down the road, the Giants may move on from the former first-round pick after 2020. Realistically, the price-tag he will be asking won’t be worth the investment considering his inability to stay healthy in inconsistencies while active. The 2019 season will be his worst to date, earning only 467 yards and three scores over eight games. Factor in his inability to block, and he’s mostly a wide receiver.