EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul are both listed as questionable for this Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Both expect to play.
Shepard said he didn’t even feel the hamstring while practicing on Friday when he was running at full speed.
“He looked all right,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “He looked pretty good.”
Pierre-Paul didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday with a finger injury. He was limited on Friday, but didn’t think there was any doubt about being cleared to play against the Cowboys.
“I’ll play Sunday,” Pierre-Paul said on multiple occasions.
It could be wearing a club on his affected right hand. Pierre-Paul had the hand that was damaged in a July 4 fireworks accident more than two years ago heavily wrapped at Friday’s practice.
“He needed to test that hand,” Spagnuolo said.
Pierre-Paul’s hand was also at least causing some discomfort last week. It was heavily wrapped after a loss in Oakland.
Cornerback Eli Apple, running back Orleans Darkwa, wide receiver Travis Rudolph and offensive lineman Chad Wheeler were also listed as questionable for Sunday. Darkwa is also expected to play.
Offensive lineman Justin Pugh (back) and B.J. Goodson (ankle) were ruled out. Both are substantial losses against this Cowboys team.
Pugh’s absence leaves the Giants with Wheeler or Bobby Hart set to start at right tackle against DeMarcus Lawrence, who is tied for the league lead with 13.5 sacks. Quarterback Eli Manning, back in the starting lineup after a one-week absence, could be under heavy pressure as a result.
Losing Goodson, a thumper in the middle of the Giants' defense, is also a blow to a group that is 32nd in the NFL against the run. Kelvin Sheppard is expected to start in his place.
This will be Goodson’s seventh missed game this season, and fifth because of the ankle. The problem forced him to miss four games before he returned last week and aggravated the injury.
OUT
OL Justin Pugh (back)
LB B.J. Goodson (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE
WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring)
DE Jason Pierre-Paul (finger)
RB Orleans Darkwa (illness)
CB Eli Apple (hip/back)
WR Travis Rudolph (hamstring)
OL Chad Wheeler (concussion)