New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who is poised to step into a significant offensive role this season, left the team’s first training camp practice on Thursday and was promptly sent for X-rays.
Shepard exited practice about halfway through the session with what appeared to be a hand injury, but head coach Pat Shurmur later specified that Shepard had injured his thumb.
Shurmur did not offer any additional detail on Shepard’s injury, merely noting that tests are ongoing.
Following the trade of superstar Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants signed Shepard to a four-year contract extension, making him the senior receiver in the room and one of the team’s default leaders.
With the added pressure on his shoulders, Shepard vowed to step up and prove he’s worthy of the No. 1 role.
“I know a little bit is going to be added on my plate, but I’ve been groomed and I’ve been prepared for this moment,” Shepard said on Wednesday. “I’m not going to put any extra pressure on myself. I’m just going to come out and be me.”
In addition to Shepard, safety Jabrill Peppers also left practice early on Thursday, but Shurmur indicated that was merely a cramping issue.
