New York Giants wideout Sterling Shepard is reportedly back in the concussion protocol for the second time this season.
The New York Giants may be entering their Week 6 matchup on Thursday night without their top receiver.
On Monday, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reported that veteran wideout Sterling Shepard has entered the concussion protocol. The concussion was most definitely sustained in their loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. This is the second time Shepard has entered the protocol this season. His previous concussion sat him out against the Buffalo Bills during Week 2.
Bad news for the Giants. Sterling Shepard is back in the concussion protocol, according to a source. He showed up today and displayed symptoms to the medical staff.
This means Shepard will out a while, given this is his second concussion this season.— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) October 7, 2019
The official decision hasn’t been made if Shepard will suit up for Big Blue this week against the New England Patriots. However, it doesn’t seem likely that he will.
If Shepard is indeed sidelined for what will arguably be the Giants’ largest task of the year thus far, New York will have to look for Golden Tate and rookie Darius Slayton to lead this group of receivers. Additional targets will include Cody Latimer and tight end Evan Engram. The Giants could utilize the latter in a receiver-type role in the slot or even split wide.
The Giants may also have star running back Saquon Barkley back on the field. He’s still nursing a high ankle sprain but is eyeing a Week 6 return. If he does end up playing, he could absolutely be another weapon in the passing game. At the end of the day, a rookie quarterback like Daniel Jones will need a great amount of support in a game like this.
The Giants and Patriots will kick off at Gillette Stadium this Thursday night at 8:20 p.m. ET.
