Several key players have lengthy injury histories, that the NY Giants will need to stay on the field if New York is going to break a four-season NFL postseason drought
The NY Giants have elevated expectations for the first time in recent memory following an offseason spending spree, but just as they did early last season, injuries could easily wreak havoc.
Several of the NY Giants’ key players, especially on offense, have a history of injuries and must prove the ability to stay healthy, if New York is going to make a legitimate run at the NFL Playoffs in 2021.
From Sterling Shepard to Saquon Barkley, the Giants have been forced to play key games in recent years without key contributors. That can’t happen if this season is going to end much differently than the previous four.
Here’s a look at five players the NY Giants need to see finish the 2021 season injury free
RB – Saquon Barkley
This is a pivotal season for both Barkley and the NY Giants, as the organization must decide just how committed it is to the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, with the biggest question mark being Barkley’s recent questionable durability.
Barkley, of course, aims to return for the start of this season from a torn ACL suffered in Week 2 of the 2020 campaign against the Chicago Bears, despite not committing to a firm timetable to get back on the field.
However, the serious knee injury isn’t the only ailment Barkley has suffered through the first three seasons of his NFL career.
Barkley was limited by a high ankle sprain for much of the 2019 season, even though the injury only kept him out of three games.
If Barkley can stay healthy and on the field, not only will he be a focal point of what figures to be a run-first offense with plenty of firepower around him, but it would likely put the NY Giants in a position to make him one of the highest-paid players at his position in the league.
But, if Barkley suffers another injury, the future could be clouded for the star back.
WR – Kenny Golladay
Golladay was the NY Giants’ marquee offseason addition, and figures to play a vital role both in shepherding quarterback Daniel Jones’ next step in his development and helping New York breakthrough to the NFL Playoffs.
However, Golladay is coming off an injury-riddled 2020 campaign where he was limited to just five games last season do to a hamstring injury and hip flexor.
Golladay arrives in East Rutherford two years removed from finishing as the NFL’s leading receiver, and that is the level of production the NY Giants are betting $45 million guaranteed on over at least the next four seasons.
If Golladay returns to form, not only should he help Jones take his game to new heights, but his presence should open up space for Barkley, fellow receivers Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Kadarius Toney, along with Evan Engram to operate.
TE – Evan Engram
Evan Engram, even after making his first Pro Bowl last season, remains a bit of an enigma for the NY Giants.
There’s little doubting that when at his peak, Engram is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. However, he dropped eight passes last season and the NY Giants resorted to handing him the ball on several occasions on jet-sweeps and end-arounds, just to get the ball in his hands.
Moreover, Engram has a lengthy injury history.
Engram has missed time due to foot, and knee injuries as well as concussions throughout his NFL career.
Last season was his first that he was able to play a full 16-game slate.
If Engram can repeat that feat and reduce his drops, the collection of talent in the NY Giants’ offense could facilitate this being his most prolific season to date. But, with veteran Kyle Rudolph now looming, an injury or dip in production could cause a significant dip in Engram’s role.
WR – Sterling Shepard
It’s easy to see Shepard’s impact on Jones.
Jones has a passer rating of 85.4 with 4,043 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 18 games with Shepard in his career. Conversely, Jones has tossed just 11 touchdown passes with Shepard out of the lineup.
That is why it is so vital that Shepard stay healthy.
Shepard suffered turf toe, which kept him out of four games in 2021, one year removed from concussions wreaking havoc on his 2019 campaign.
After dropping Golladay and first-round pick Kadarius Toney into the offense this season, Shepard may see his target-share cut into, but it will be fascinating to see how Jones is impacted should Shepard miss time once again.
QB – Daniel Jones
It’s probably too soon to slap Jones with the “injury prone” label, but there is no figure within the organization more vital to the trajectory of the franchise, than Jones.
Jones is also coming off a season where he missed time due to hamstring and ankle injuries.
If Jones can stay healthy and cut down on turnovers this season, it would go a long way towards both solidifying his place as the NY Giants’ franchise quarterback of the future and potentially lifting New York back to the NFL Playoffs for just the second time since winning the Super Bowl in 2011.
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com, Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL