EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is one of six New York Giants listed as questionable for Thursday night’s matchup with the Washington Redskins.
Shepard has been dealing with migraines. He missed Sunday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs and has not practiced this week. If the Giants had practiced Wednesday, the team said he again would not have participated.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon (shoulder), defensive tackle Damon Harrison (ankle), linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (groin), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (neck), long snapper Zak DeOssie (trap) and Shepard are all questionable for the Thanksgiving matchup. Harrison and Vernon are expected to play barring a late setback.
Offensive linemen D.J. Fluker (toe) and Justin Pugh (back) were ruled out for the contest. So was linebacker B.J. Goodson (ankle) while Calvin Munson (quad) is doubtful.
For all the Giants’ injuries, it pales in comparison to the Redskins, who probably have seven or eight game-time decisions according to coach Jay Gruden.
Shepard’s absence would leave the Giants thin at wide receiver. Roger Lewis and Tavarres King would start, with Travis Rudolph playing out of the slot and the speedy Kalif Raymond sprinkled into the action.
Rudolph was tied for the team lead with tight end Evan Engram last week with six targets. He finished tied for the team lead (along with King, Lewis and running back Shane Vereen) with three receptions.
The Giants, who are 29th in points scored this season, are already playing without Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall. They are out for the season with injuries.
Shepard’s migraines began late last week. He was a surprise scratch on Sunday and has undergone various tests throughout the week. He tried to do some light running but the migraines returned.
Shepard was one of two Giants who wasn’t on the practice field in any capacity on Tuesday.
“Sterling is not feeling well,” coach Ben McAdoo said on Tuesday afternoon. “We kept him in the training room and they’re taking a look at him. They’re looking at all the possibilities.”
The second-year receiver is not in the concussion protocol.
Full Giants injury report
OUT
OL D.J. Fluker (toe)
OL Justin Pugh (back)
LB B.J. Goodson (ankle)
DOUBTFUL
LB Calvin Munson (quad)
QUESTIONABLE
DE Olivier Vernon (shoulder)
DT Damon Harrison (ankle)
WR Sterling Shepard (illness)
LB Kelvin Sheppard (groin)
LS Zak DeOssie (trap)
LB Jonathan Casillas (neck)