Sterling Shepard is back, giving the Giants (finally) a playmaker at wide receiver.
Out the past month with an ankle injury, Shepard was in practice on Thursday and while he may not be 100 percent, he is likely more of an asset than the rest of the team’s receiving corps. Without Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall, out for the season with their own respective injuries, the Giants have had to rely on their tight ends for any semblance of a passing game.
That is, until now.
“I did a full practice yesterday. But yeah, I guess you could say this my first full-go practice against other guys,” Shepard said following practice.
His role now is, undoubtedly, as the team’s go-receiver. Shepard had some struggles this year, not unlike the rest of the wide receivers as the offense as a whole had some difficulties.
After a breakout rookie year, Shepard’s numbers have been a bit subdued but even with his injury costing him several games he still has a solid 22 receptions for 263 yards and a touchdown. Numbers that should go up as he will likely become quarterback Eli Manning’s best receiving option.
“I love it. I love any role. The role that I had before this, just making plays and I’m taking that same mindset to now,” Shepard said. “Just got to make plays, that’s the bottom line.”
