Friday 26 July 2019 17:11, UK
New York Giants receiver Sterling Shepard fractured his left thumb during the team's first full-squad practice on Thursday, while Corey Coleman tore his ACL.
Shepard underwent X-rays that displayed the fracture. The Giants announced that the injury will be re-evaluated weekly. The fourth-year-pro was injured when he reached down to the ground to attempt to catch a low pass.
New York are counting on big things from Shepard after dealing star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in the offseason.
Shepard, who had career-high totals of 66 receptions and 872 yards last season, signed a four-year, $41 million deal in April.
Prior to practice, Giants coach Pat Shurmur said he feels Shepard could blossom into a No 1 receiver.
"Sterling is a football player, and we appreciate his toughness and his ability to make plays and all the things he adds to the team," Shurmur added.
"He's a value-added guy in my mind. He plays his position, but he makes the people around him better. I think that's what all the players should strive to do."
Shepard has 190 catches for 2,286 yards and 14 touchdown receptions in 43 games (42 starts) for the Giants.
On Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Coleman tore his ACL - meaning he will miss the regular season leave New York even more thin at receiver.
Coleman looked to be in the lead for the No 3 wideout role this season, after joining the Giants last season. The 2016 first-round pick has 61 catches, 789 yards and five touchdowns in an injury-plagued career.
