Giants’ Sterling Shepard, Azeez Ojulari ‘getting closer’ to return

New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (PUP) and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari (NFI) are “getting closer” to returning.

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (Achilles) remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari on the non-football injury (NFI) list. But both are getting much closer to a return.

“I think they are getting closer,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters. “In terms of a time frame, I can’t give it to you right now, but they are getting closer. They’re improving day to day and hopefully they’ll be out there as soon as they can.”

Ojulari’s injury was initially considered minor but he’s been sidelined since the start of camp. Shepard, meanwhile, is coming back after a very serious injury and wasn’t expected to return until the start of the season. Some even speculated that he might miss a few games early on.

Given the team’s chemistry issues between the quarterbacks and wide receivers, Shepard’s return would be more than welcomed. He’s arguably the team’s best and most consistent route runner, and a target Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor can rely on.

The Giants are also champing at the bit to get Ojulari back. Teaming him with rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux will provide even more juice to Wink Martindale’s already aggressive and swarming defense.

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