The Giants will not be whole for Monday night’s game against the Cowboys and the availability of wide receiver Sterling Shepard for the remainder of the season was thrust into peril Sunday with the shocking news that Shepard is back in the concussion protocol.
Shepard missed the three previous games while in the protocol, dealing with his second concussion of the season. He was cleared Friday afternoon and declared ready to return to action, as the Giants anticipated getting their top four playmakers on offense – Shepard, Saquon Barkley, Golden Tate and Evan Engram – on the field for the first time.
Shepard expressed eagerness and optimism the concussion issues were behind him. He was a full participant in practice this past week and was a limited participant the past two weeks, not allowed to engage in any contact. Shepard said he was symptom-free.
The symptoms returned and Saturday evening, Shepard reported not feeling right to Ronnie Barnes, the Giants’ senior vice president of medical services and the heat athletic trainer.
“He told Ronnie [Saturday] evening he didn’t feel well and was sent for examination and evaluation,” coach Pat Shurmur said. “When he arrived for work this morning, he still did not feel well. At that point, the decision was made to continue in the concussion protocol.”
Shepard suffered his first concussion in the season-opener against the Cowboys and missed the next game. He played in three games but suffered his second concussion in the Oct. 6 loss to the Vikings. He said he felt fine not long after that incident but the Giants were cautious with him and he remained in the protocol. Shepard on Friday was cleared after getting checked out by the independent neurological consultant.
This turn of events puts into doubt if Shepard, 26, will play again this season, as he again is in the protocol and will not be cleared any time soon.
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