Giants injury report: Sterling Shepard still in concussion protocol

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who is entering his third week feeling symptom-free after suffering a second concussion this season, remains in league protocol.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that Shepard participated in practice on Wednesday sans the yellow non-contact jersey and there is optimism he will be cleared later this week and permitted to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

Pat Shurmur says Sterling Shepard has not cleared the concussion protocol, but is optimistic because he took part in a contact practice today. #Giants

— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) October 30, 2019

Sterling Shepard had a contact practice today, Shurmur said. Seeing doctors later in week #Giants

— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) October 30, 2019

Shepard, who has hauled in 25 receptions for 267 yards and one touchdown this season, has not played since a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

In addition to Shepard, rookie cornerback/kick returner Corey Ballentine also remains in concussion protocol, but he’s behind Shepard in terms of recovery and was only a limited participant on Wednesday.

It is unlikely Ballentine will be cleared in time to play in Week 9.