Barkley, Engram Will Be Available for Sunday

The Giants are getting back two key players on offense in running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Evan Engram, as they continue to inch their way back to full strength.

After taking their full practice reps this week, tight end Evan Engram (knee) and running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) were not on the Giants' final injury report. That means they will be available to play Sunday when the Giants host the Arizona Cardinals.

Head coach Pat Shurmur, who prefers to keep his personnel deployment plans a secret and who perhaps wants to be 100% certain that both Barkley and Engram don't have any setbacks when the team holds a walkthrough on Saturday, told reporters Friday that both are available, but he refused to say if either will play.

It's no secret the Giants offense has struggled without Barkley, the team's rushing leader (237 yards on 37 carries) and Engram, its receiving leader (373 yards on 33 receptions).

The Giants' running game, which averaged 117.3 rushing yards with Barkley in the lineup, averaged 90 yards without him during his three-week absence. And last week, without Engram, the Giants passing offense recorded just 213 yards, just barely matching their season-low of 211 yards the week before against the Vikings. 

With the Cardinals having struggles against opposing tight ends--their pass defense has allowed a league-high 599 yards to tight ends this season--it would be hard to fathom Engram not being included in the passing game. 

Receiver Sterling Shepard, who has been able to practice on a limited basis after landing in the concussion protocol last week--he's worn the yellow "no-contact" jersey in practice this week--was declared out,  as was cornerback and kickoff returner Corey Ballentine (concussion).

Defensive lineman Olsen Pierre and running back Wayne Gallman, both of whom are in the concussion protocol, practiced fully this week. Both, however, will need to meet with an independent neuro consultant to receive final clearance to return.