Giants Injury Report: Shepard, Barkley Limited

Sterling Shepard continues to make progress after suffering his second concussion of the year but could be looking at at least another week or so before he gets the green light to return.

Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine (concussion) remains in the protocol and did not practice Wednesday. Ballentine, the team’s primary kickoff returner, missed last weekend’s game and is not expected to play this weekend.

Ballentine worked on the side with a trainer while his teammates warmed up and then went through some individual drills during the part of practice open to the media.

Receiver Sterling Shepard, who during a promotional appearance for Pampers Tuesday afternoon expressed hope that he’d be cleared to return to action soon following his second concussion this year, was listed as a limited participant. 

Shepard remains in the protocol, but unlike Ballentine, Shepard is cleared to take reps, presumably with the yellow jersey, as worn by players not cleared for any contact.

Before Shepard returns to the field, he would have to be cleared by the team's doctors and an independent neurologist, with such clearance being the final step before he can come out of the protocol. 

Since this is his second go-round in the protocol, Shepard would also likely have to make it through a full week of practice with no setbacks before he’s cleared to play, a step which if the medical professionals have deemed necessary, would likely keep him out of this weekend's game.

Running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. Barkley, who last week returned after three weeks sidelined by a high ankle sprain, could potentially have his practice reps managed for the foreseeable future, especially early in the week.

Edge Lorenzo Carter (ankle) and receiver Cody Latimer (quad) were on the injury report as well, but both were full participants.

The Lions have seven players on their injury report, three of whom—fullback Nick Bowden (foot), defensive tackle Mike Daniels (foot) and cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring)—didn’t practice.

Slay’s injury is worth monitoring as he is the Lions’ top cover cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus (based on at least 100 coverage snaps). If Slay is unable to play, Rashaan Melvin is listed as his backup.

Cornerback Amani Oruwariye (knee) was limited for the Lions. Defensive linemen Da’Shawn Hand (elbow) and Damon Harrison (groin) and quarterback Matthew Stafford (hip) were all full participants.