NY Giants could be woefully short at wide receiver vs. New Orleans Saints
Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton did not practice for the NY Giants Wednesday, after getting knocked from Sunday’s game against the Falcons
The NY Giants are over a touchdown underdog to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon, and could be without two of Daniel Jones’ most vital weapons in the passing game.
Wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton both suffered hamstring injuries early in last Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and according to multiple reporters, neither were on the field when the Giants began practicing Wednesday for this week’s matchup.
WRs Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton not on the field during open portion of practice. Both are dealing with hamstring injuries. But there was a John Ross (in uniform) sighting.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 29, 2021
Also LG Ben Bredeson had his left hand wrapped.
If Shepard and/or Slayton are unable to play, the NY Giants will once again turn to first-round rookie Kadarius Toney to play an expanded role.
Sunday against Atlanta, Toney appeared in a season-high 46 snaps, catching two of his three targets for 16 yards. The NY Giants will need much more from Toney, if he’s thrust into the starting lineup.
Additionally, C.J. Board and Collin Johnson will see significant playing time, again this week.
For the NY Giants, there’s also the possibility that free agent pickup John Ross will be cleared to play this Sunday afternoon, which would inject some speed into the passing game.
There’s still time this week for Shepard and Slayton to get healthy, but given that hamstring injuries can linger and Wednesday is the most extensive preparation day of the NY Giants’ practice week and neither were on the field, it doesn’t exactly bode well for Sunday.
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com.