Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is currently the longest-tenured player on the roster of the New York Giants. He was a second-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2016 and has been a fixture in the team’s lineup whenever he can stay on the field. Staying on the field, however, has been a huge struggle in recent seasons for Shepard.

He has appeared in only 10 games the last two seasons, suffering a torn Achilles in 2021 and tearing his ACL last season. Before that, Shepard contemplated retirement as he dealt with some serious concussions.

His time with the Giants looked like it could be coming to an end this offseason as he was a free agent. But, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal to keep Shepard with Big Blue. The question now is when will he be able to get back on the field.

An update for that timeline was provided by Shepard himself on Tuesday at the team’s minicamp. Right now, the goal is to be ready to go and on the field in Week 1 and he feels that he is on track to accomplish that.

“I’m right on schedule, where I wanted to be,” Shepard said, via SNY. “A little bit ahead. That’s always good, but I’m just trying to take it day by day and just focus on getting back to 100 percent.” (H/T ProFootballTalk)

Returning on a veteran’s minimum deal, this is a win-win situation for both sides. Shepard remains with the only franchise he has known as a professional and has a chance to assume his role as a top target for Daniel Jones. 

If he is unable to return to form and has been sapped of his ability to produce, the Giants aren’t in the hole for any long-term money. At the very least, even if Shepard is unable to contribute on the field, he can still play an integral role on the team.

Even when injured last season, Shepard was seen on a weekly basis cheering on his teammates. He can help the young guys along given his veteran status and is a respected player in the locker room, commanding the attention and respect of his teammates.