NY Giants News: Sterling Shepard takes issue with Aaron Rodgers, NY shuffles practice squad

The October matchup between the NY Giants and NY Jets is shaping up to be an absolutely doozy, largely thanks to the arrival of Aaron Rodgers.

A scuffle between Rodgers and Giants defender Jihard Ward depicted on "Hard Knocks" has morphed into a national storyline. Rodgers and Ward have since traded verbal barbs, making it apparent both teams have Week 8 circled on their respective regular season calendars.

As the beef between Rodgers and Ward flames out, Sterling Shepard took issue with Rodgers referring to Met Life Stadium as "Jet Life Stadium."

NY Giants News: Sterling Shepard takes issue with Aaron Rodgers, practice squad changes

"That's what he called it? Jet Life Stadium? I guess, if that's how he's feeling. If that's how he feels then that's cool. I don't feel that way. Obviously. I mean, everybody is gonna pull for their squad, obviously. I feel like when we step on the turf that's our home, we want to protect it. That's what our job entails is to protect our home stadium."

- Sterling Shepard

Rodgers is no doubt trying to get a rise out of the Giants, but "Jet Life Stadium"? The Jets haven't been to the playoffs in 12 years.

The Giants haven't been world-beaters, but they still captured a Super Bowl in 2011 and made the playoffs three times during that span -- all while navigating some horrendous Dave Gettleman draft classes that set them back years.

If Shepard felt the need to clap back at Rodgers, it's not farfetched to think most of the Giants' locker room isn't fond of the Jets' new QB. Either way, the already-mouthwatering Oct. 29 matchup at Met Life Stadium just became a lot more intriguing.

In other NY Giants news, Joe Schoen shook up the practice squad a bit, as the team cut offensive linemen Tyre Phillips and cornerback Gemon Green. They're replaced with two undrafted free agents: OT Jaylon Thomas from SMU and corner Caleb Hayes, who finished his career at BYU after transferring from Oregon.

Fans should expect more tweaks in the days to come. If we've learned anything from Schoen's since he took over as general manager, it's that he's always looking to improve the roster so no player on the practice squad should feel their job is secure.

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