The Giants are looking to snap their two-game losing streak this week against the Cardinals after falling to the Patriots last Thursday on the road. And with this 10-day gap between games, they're also hoping to see some of their key performers return to the field as well.
Saquon Barkley is the obvious name there, but head coach Pat Shurmur wouldn't delve into that topic, saying "we'll see" if the star running back will be back on the field Sunday.
Other than Barkley, Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard are two offensive playmakers whom the Giants definitely missed against New England. Engram has been dealing with a left knee sprain, while Shepard is working himself back from his second concussion this season. Wayne Gallman was also out with a concussion he sustained during the loss to the Vikings in Week 5.
Things are looking good so far with these injured Giants, who were seen on the practice field Monday. Engram also spoke after practice, saying he was optimistic that he'll be available for his team on Sunday. That would be a huge return given Engram's production of 373 yards and two touchdowns over five games.
"I feel really good. Got out there, was running around. It was good to get out there moving around," Engram said after practice. "I've got a long week to get ready, so coach is taking care of us, but we did get some good work in. It felt good today."
Engram made sure to also note that the injury wasn't as severe as his MCL sprain he sustained in Week 3 against the Texans last season. He missed three games because of that.
"It's not-it's definitely not as severe as that," he said. "That was kind of the thing, I could tell a good difference from experiencing what I went through last year."
Shurmur said Shepard and Gallman remain in concussion protocol, but the extended time off could work in their favor. Getting Shepard back to go along with Golden Tate will be great for Daniel Jones. Gallman's return will also help get the backfield in order again. Buck Allen was brought in to add some depth this week as well.
And finally, Shurmur dropped a name Giants fans haven't heard in awhile during his injury updates. Cornerback Sam Beal should be back at practice on Wednesday, having been on the IR with a hamstring injury to start the season. The supplemental draft pick from last season has yet to make his NFL debut, but was having a good training camp before his injury.