EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The fallout from losing three wide receivers in one game for the season was substantial. Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall and Dwayne Harris all landed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery. That's more than 1,300 career catches and 128 touchdowns done for the year.
Beckham (fractured ankle), Marshall (ankle stabilization) and Harris (fifth metatarsal) all had their procedures done in the past two days by Dr. Robert O’Malley at Hospital for Special Surgery. That left the Giants' wide receiver room with a much different look on Tuesday -- and significantly less NFL experience.
The three players that replaced them on the New York Giants active roster -- Tavarres King, Travis Rudolph and Ed Eagan -- have four career regular season catches combined.
“It is different,” said wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who left the locker room Tuesday in a boot after spraining his ankle as well in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s considered day-to-day.
Shepard added: “You don’t have guys cracking jokes like you usually do. We didn’t have three guys in our room that were big pieces to the puzzle. We still have guys that are going to step up and do the job.”
But who exactly?
Tavarres King was re-signed on Monday. He spent most of the past three years with the Giants. He fills Beckham’s roster spot.
Travis Rudolph and Ed Eagan were elevated from the practice squad. Rudolph was signed as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. Eagan made a strong impression after being a late addition during training camp. Rudolph fills the void left by Marshall. Eagan slips into Harris’ role as a possible special teams contributor.
The full Giants WR depth chart:
Sterling Shepard: He may not play this week in Denver because of the ankle injury.
Roger Lewis: An undrafted receiver in his second professional season. He caught a 29-yard touchdown pass Sunday against the Chargers with the Giants down to two healthy wide receivers. He'll likely start on the outside Sunday night.
Tavarres King: In his fifth professional season, he has four career regular season receptions. He also caught a 41-yard touchdown in last season’s playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers. King is a speedy receiver who can get down the field and plays primarily on the outside.
Travis Rudolph: Undrafted rookie from Florida State. He spent time working in the slot and on the outside this summer.
Ed Eagan: A 5-foot-8, 183-pound receiver out of Northwestern State. He's spent time with the Bills, Cowboys and Browns.
Practice squad:
Darius Powe: He was re-signed to the practice squad on Monday. He spent last year with the Giants and had a strong chance to make the roster this summer before being slowed by a hamstring injury.
Marquis Bundy: He has size (6-foot-4, 215) that has drawn comparisons to Marshall. He joined the Giants late this summer.
Kalif Raymond: The returnman (5-foot-9, 160) has played for the Broncos and Jets.