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New York Giants: Justin Pugh, Shane Vereen Return To Practice

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants guard Justin Pugh (67) is helped off the field after spraining a knee during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants guard Justin Pugh (67) is helped off the field after spraining a knee during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants received promising injury updates on the offensive side of the ball as Shane Vereen and Justin Pugh returned to practice.

The New York Giants have been hit by a rush of injuries in 2016. Some of the most notable losses were running back Shane Vereen in Week 3, offensive lineman Justin Pugh in Week 9, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in Week 13, and safety Nat Berhe on multiple occasions.

Though Pierre-Paul won’t be available to play at any point over the next few weeks, Berhe, Pugh, and Vereen could soon be back in action.

Vereen returned from a triceps injury to play the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, but was forced to leave the game with a concussion. Pugh was unable to play against Dallas, which brought his streak to five consecutive games missed.

According to Art Stapleton of The Record, Berhe, Pugh and Vereen participated in the Giants’ practice on Wednesday, December 14.

That’s an encouraging turn of events for a Giants team that will need all hands on deck against the 9-4 Detroit Lions.

Pugh should help the Giants improve what’s become an unpredictable offensive line since his injury. For what it’s worth, Pugh is the No. 4 ranked guard on Pro Football Focus, trailing just Marshal Yanda, Kelechi Osemele, and Zack Martin.

As for Vereen, his pass-catching ability can bail Eli Manning out when the pocket collapses and a quick throw needs to be made.

Considering the Giants have scored a combined 21 points over the past two weeks, it’s safe to say Pugh and Vereen have been missed.

Berhe is an interesting player to evaluate, as he’s been injured on multiple occasions. His return wouldn’t necessarily net him a high snap count, but having depth in the secondary is never a bad thing.

Landon Collins is playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level and Andrew Adams is breaking out alongside him, but Berhe can be a helpful addition to the Giants’ secondary.

Must Read: Janoris Jenkins has found his niche

New York will need all the help it can get against Matthew Stafford and the Lions in Week 15.

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