It appears the New York Giants' receiving corps avoided taking a big hit on Wednesday.
Sterling Shepard was carted from Big Blue's practice, but Giants coach Ben McAdoo told reporters it appears he avoided serious injury and just rolled his ankle. NFL Network's Kimberly Jones reported Shepard suffered a low ankle sprain, per a source informed of the situation. The Giants will see how the receiver responds to initial treatment and go on from there, McAdoo said.
The second-year wideout is poised for a big season from the slot with Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall anchoring the outside in a potentially potent Giants starting receiving unit.
Shepard started from the get-go as a rookie, supplanting Victor Cruz in the slot. Shepard earned 65 receptions for 683 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016.
Although Shepard's injury doesn't appear serious, it could allow for a higher uptick in expectations for tight end Evan Engram. The Giants' receiving corps falls off after the top three, with Tavarres King, Roger Lewis and Dwayne Harris next in line on the depth chart.
We expected New York to deploy more two tight end sets in 2017 after drafting Engram in the first round. The ballyhooed rookie projects as more of a pass-catcher than a blocker in his first season and could line up more in the slot after Shepard's injury.
