New York Giants tight end Evan Engram will miss his fourth consecutive game this week with a sprained foot. What was supposed to be a breakout and career-elevating year for the dynamic third-year former first-round pick has become an exercise in frustration and futility.
“It sucks. I was really excited about this week,” Engram said after being ruled out of Monday’s game in Philadelphia. “I felt really good at the beginning of the week, felt really good in my rehab prior to the week. As the week went by, I just wasn’t ready. I made some progress but I’m not ready.”
Engram was practicing on a limited basis this week and it appeared as if he could be ready to face the Eagles on Monday and team up again with veteran quarterback Eli Manning, but the foot will keep him sidelined again.
“No setbacks,” he said when asked if he had any. “Like I said, just not ready. I couldn’t really do what I do and not ready.”
It was mentioned that he will miss perhaps his final opportunity to catch a pass from Eli.
“Personally, that’s what hurts the most about not getting out there. I was excited about the opportunity to get back out there with Eli and it sucks,” Engram said.
The Giants have three games remaining after Monday and Engram is not sure if or when he’ll be able to return to the field. He was asked if the injury is taking longer than he expected.
“Yeah, but these injuries are real tricky,’ he said. “From what they told me, the joint and the ligament requires a lot in the foot, so it’s a little tricky. Like I said, keep working at it and stay the course.”
Since playing in 15 games as a rookie in 2017, Engram was limited to 11 games last season and has only played in eight of the Giants’ 12 contests this year. He’s had his share of hurdles that is for sure.
“More adversity,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of it, seen enough of it and I’ll overcome it.”
Engram may have to overcome that adversity elsewhere. His injury issues put his fifth-year option with the Giants in doubt and there is speculation he could be traded this offseason.
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