The bye week apparently has helped the Giants begin to get healthier, but it remains uncertain how that will translate to Sunday’s game against the Bears.
Sterling Shepard returned to practice after missing the past five games, as did Janoris Jenkins, as both players appear closer to returning from concussion protocol.
“They’re still going through it, so we’ll see what the week brings,” Pat Shurmur said after practice. “But we’re encouraged that they’ll make it through.”
Tight end Rhett Ellison, also working back from a concussion, rode a bike on the side during practice. Starting left tackle Nate Solder (concussion) was excused from practice for personal reasons.
Tight end Evan Engram on Monday had the walking boot removed from his left foot, which he injured Week 9 against Dallas. He didn’t participate in practice but believes “it’s definitely possible” he plays Sunday in Chicago.
“Today, is the full retirement of the boot,” said Engram, who did “a little” running Monday. “I felt good. We’ll see where I’m at middle to end of this week…I think as long as I stay prepared mentally and continue to do what I do with my foot, I’ll be ready to go.”
Center Jon Halapio (hamstring) and right tackle Mike Remmers (back) also participated in position drills after missing the Nov. 10 game against the Jets.
Remmers was replaced by Nick Gates, but as Shurmur noted, “I think if everybody’s healthy, they go back to their spots.” Shurmur added that Gates “may get a shot” at left tackle if Solder is unable to play against the Bears.
Bears coach Matt Nagy insisted Monday that quarterback Mitch Trubisky suffered a hip pointer on a second-quarter sack the previous night in a 17-7 loss to the Rams. Trubisky was having a poor game when he was replaced by backup Chase Daniel with barely three minutes remaining.
“Every decision that was made, it had zero to do with his play. Zero,” Nagy said. “It was completely based off the injury that he had (Sunday) night and where he was at.”
Nagy added that Trubisky “absolutely” will be the starter against the Giants if he’s healthy enough to play.
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