Shepard, Engram, Gallman question marks for Patriots game

Posted October 07, 2019 7:00 am

By TOM CANAVAN

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is brought down by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes (21) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) The Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The New York Giants are probably going to be without wide receiver Sterling Shepard for their Thursday night game against the New England Patriots.

Giants coach Pat Shurmur said Monday that Shepard is back in the concussion protocol for the second time this season after being hurt in Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Tight end and leading receiver Evan Engram (knee) and running back Wayne Gallman (concussion) also did not practice Monday.

The officials made Shepard leave Sunday's game late in the third quarter after he hit the ground hard trying to catch a long pass from Daniel Jones. He was evaluated for a concussion and returned.

Shurmur said Shepard showed up with symptoms of a concussion on Monday.

"He's in the protocol and we'll try to get him back," Shurmur said of Shepard, who also had a concussion in the season opener against Dallas and missed the next game against Buffalo. "He'll be back on the field when they say it's time."

Shepard is second on the team with 25 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown. Engram has 33 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns.

Veteran Golden Tate, who was suspended for the first four games for using performance-enhancers, returned this past week. Rookie Darius Slayton also has played well and the roster includes veterans Cody Latimer and Cody Core.

The team has three other tight ends - Rhett Ellison, Garrett Dickerson and Kaden Smith.

The injuries have become a concern for the Giants (2-3).

Star running back Saquon Barkley has missed the past two games with a high sprain to his right ankle. Shurmur said the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was limited at practice Monday and is feeling better than last week. He gave no indication whether he will be ready for the Patriots (5-0).

If he cannot go, the Giants have only two other running backs on the roster, rookie Jon Hilliman and Eli Penny, who is more of a fullback.

Shurmur said there is a chance the Giants would add another running back for the game.

Also limited on Monday were left tackle Nate Solder (ankle) and linebackers Lorenzo Carter (neck), Alec Ogletree (hamstring) and Josiah Tauaefa (knee). Carter was inactive Sunday and Ogletree was sidelined for the past two.

Linebacker Tae Davis, who missed the past two games with a concussion, practiced without restrictions Monday.

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Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes (21) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) The Associated Press

New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) is upended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) The Associated Press

Minnesota Vikings defensive back Kris Boyd (38) and defensive back Anthony Harris (41) break up a pass intended for New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) The Associated Press

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