Sterling Shepard not expected to be cleared to play in Week 7, uncertain for Week 8

The New York Giants host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, and they are not expected to clear wide receiver Sterling Shepard out of the concussion protocol, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. It is possible he also won’t be cleared in Week 8 when the Giants travel to face the Detroit Lions, but the team will see how he progresses from his second concussion in four weeks.

Shepard suffered the concussion in Week 5 after catching five passes for 49 yards. He did not practice at all in Week 6 before being deactivated. This week, he’s been limited each week, with Raanan reporting he has been practicing with a non-contact jersey.

Fantasy football analysis, Giants WR Sterling Shepard

The Giants are expected to have Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram back from their respective ankle and knee injuries. That provides a big boost for Daniel Jones even if Shepard does not play. He is not a great start in fantasy, but he’s worth tracking to see if he can move back into the upswing with players getting healthy.

Golden Tate remains the team’s No. 1 receiver after a monster TNF performance last week. The Cardinals get Patrick Peterson back from suspension, but Tate is still a solid fantasy start.

Darius Slayton was the team’s second leading receiver last week, and the leader in Week 5. Engram would eat into his work to some degree, but he’s an intriguing fantasy flex option this week with Shepard sidelined. If Patrick Peterson gives Tate trouble, Jones could look Slayton’s way all the more.