Sterling Shepard was going to be the focus of a lot of the New York Giants offense in the coming season after the team traded away Odell Beckham Jr. That plan hit a snag Thursday when Shepard was diagnosed with a thumb fracture after getting his injured hand X-rayed.
He’ll be listed questionable week-to-week and, at best, won’t be ready before Week 1 of the regular season. Shepard played in all 16 games last year, catching 66 passes for 872 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a former second round pick out of Oklahoma, selected in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The #Giants say WR Sterling Shepard fractured his thumb in practice and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Not ideal. But early enough where it’s not crushing.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2019
Shepard’s injury will give former Cleveland Browns first round pick Corey Coleman not only a real chance to make the team, but to be a contributor in 2019. Coleman started one game for the Giants last season and played in eight, catching five passes for 71 yards. The former Baylor standout busted out of Cleveland and was cut in 2017.
Golden Tate is slated to start opposite Shepard so that spot should be solid. Cody Latimer should hold down the slot, so that leaves Coleman and a host of young players vying for playing time and jobs, including this year’s fifth round pick Darius Slayton out of Auburn.
Final 2019 NFL Draft pick signs
This honor is usually reserved for a first round pick arguing over the nuances of their contract. Not this season. The final draft pick to put his name on the dotted line in 2019 is San Francisco 49ers third round selection Deebo Samuel. No information is available on why or how it took so long to get Samuel signed.
Last one: The #49ers and WR Deebo Samuel have agreed to terms, source said. He’s reporting to camp.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2019
Samuel was a four-year contributor for the University of South Carolina. His senior year, he hauled in 62 passes for 882 yards and 11 TDs, adding a kick return touchdown to his stat sheet.
TRANSACTIONS
- The Jacksonville Jaguars signed defensive back Josh Robinson. Robinson played in 11 games with the New Orleans Saints last year.
- Jonathan Harris has been activated from the PUP list by the Chicago Bears. He was a UDFA this season out of Lindenwood.
- T.J. Watt has landed on the PUP list after injuring his hamstring in his first training camp practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- The San Francisco 49ers have sent offensive lineman Erik Magnuson packing along with cornerback Alex Brown.
- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was pulled from practice after experiencing tightness in his hamstring.
- The Washington Redskins cut offensive tackle Brian Wallace and signed running back Shaun Wilson. They’ve scheduled a free agent visit by offensive lineman Donald Penn.
