Evan Engram Eyes Return this Weekend

The Giants tight end didn't care for having to watch his teammates on television last week. With his knee injury healing, Engram is hoping he doesn't have to be a spectator again this weekend.

Giants tight end Evan Engram had an opportunity last week to watch the Giants play the New England Patriots from a much different perspective than what he’s used to seeing.

Inactive due to a knee injury, Engram was left behind in New Jersey. He said he spent Thursday night watching the game on television at the home of teammate Sterling Shepard, who also didn’t make the trip because of an injury (concussion); Saquon Barkley (ankle); and Bennie Fowler.

“It was definitely hard not being out there with the guys,” Engram said. “But the team played their butts off, and we were in it.”

After suffering the knee injury in the third quarter against the Vikings in Week 5, Engram said that he is optimistic that he will not have to be on the sidelines for much longer.

The rest from the extended weekend has helped him in the recovery process and that during Monday’s jog-through practice, Engram said he felt “really good” moving around.

“It was good to get out there moving around,” Engram said. “I’ve got a long week to get ready, so coach is taking care of us, but we did get some good work in.”

Head coach Pat Shurmur also said that Engram looked better in today’s practice, saying that the tight end “did a lot.”

Engram said that he is continuing to be smart and take small steps to get back on track. He was not at full speed during Monday’s practice, but he still got in some good reps and felt comfortable doing all of the drills he was permitted to participate in today.

Before his injury, Engram was posting team-leading numbers for the Giants. In five games this season, Engram has 33 receptions for 373 yards and two touchdowns and averages 11.3 receiving yards per catch. 

In his third NFL season, Engram is on track to finish with career highs that would top his 45 receptions for 577 yards in 11 games from last year.

Though Engram wants to keep his momentum going, he is most concerned about returning to the field to help his teammates.

“I just want to be out there for my team every week that I can,” Engram said. “So it’s definitely going to be important this week to just continue to work, continue to be smart, and getting ready.”

The Giants (2-4) and in third place in the NFC East, are breathing down the necks of the second-place Eagles and first-place Cowboys, both 3-3, but Engram is only focused on one game at a time moving forward.

“We’re trying to go 1-0 this week,” Engram said. “If we stay focused on where our feet are, I think we’ll be good.”