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2021 is likely tight end Eva Engram’s swan song in a New York Giants uniform. The fifth-year former first-round pick has yet to live up to his draft status. Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued Engram throughout his Giants’ tenure.
After missing the first two games of this season with a calf injury, Engram has been out on the field regularly. Not as much can be said for his teammates, however.
The Giants loaded up on offensive weapons this past offseason but have yet to enjoy the fruits of that labor as many of the cornerstone pieces have been injured as well.
This coming Monday, the Giants just might have most — if not all — of those weapons on the field simultaneously when the face the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers down in Tampa.
“I know we don’t really look at it that way,” Engram said when asked about the possibility of have the full compliment of offensive talent on the field at once. “We just want the best for each other, and we want everybody to be healthy. We know the work we put in and what we can be capable of, so there’s really not much to say. It’s just hoping the guys stay healthy, get healthy and just get them back on the field and get back out there together.”
One player in particular, running back Saquon Barkley, hasn’t played in a game since going out with an ankle sprain early on in the Giants’ Week 5 loss at Dallas. He could return this week against Tampa.
“Yeah, it’s awesome,” Engram said f seeing Barkley practicing again. “Just to have his presence — even in the huddle — it’s awesome. He’s probably our biggest leader, our biggest captain. It’s just good to have him back. I know he’s been itching to get back, so he’s going to stay the course and keep working and keep doing what he can to be ready.”
The Giants are 3-6 and probably should be 5-4 had they been at full strength. There are eight games remaining and the team is focusing on making a run with all their horses now back in tow.
“I think we just know what we’re capable of and we know there are things that we can still be better at,” added Engram. “I think we’re excited about it and we’re excited about this opportunity we have in the second half of the season.”