Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard hopeful to play against Rams
The New York Giants had nine players on Wednesday’s injury report despite coming off a bye week.
Wide receiver Sterling Shepard was one of those players, missing the two last games before the bye with an ankle injury. He was running and cutting at full speed during Monday’s light workout. Shepard says he feels better and appears to be heading in the right direction for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium.
Shepard is desperately needed for a Giants offense that is only averaging 16 points a game. Only the winless Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins score fewer points than the Giants.
Offensive lineman Weston Richburg has missed the past three games while in the concussion protocol. He was dressed for practice but did not participate. Defensive ends Olivier Vernon (ankle) and Kerry Wynn (knee) worked with a trainer on the sideline, as did linebacker B.J. Goodson (ankle).
Linebackers Jonathan Casillas (neck) and Calvin Munson (quad), running back Paul Perkins (ribs) and Shepard all participated in practice to varying degrees.
The Giants have concerns on defense going into this Sunday’s game.
The availability of Vernon and Wynn is up in the air, a primary reason why the team re-signed defensive end Devin Taylor. They also elevated Jordan Williams from the practice squad. The Giants were also without safety Nat Berhe (calf) and cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who has been indefinitely suspended by the team for returning late from the bye week.
The offensive line has been a concern all season, regardless of health. The Giants had only seven healthy linemen in Wednesday’s practice. Justin Pugh (back) did not attend Wednesday’s practice.
Tight end Rhett Ellison was excused for personal reasons, as his wife is expecting a baby.
– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for cover32 and covers the NFL and New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.
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