While the Giants do not release their latest injury report until Thursday, second-year head coach Pat Shurmur shared one optimistic update Wednesday as they prepare for Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Shurmur said the Giants' chances of getting third-year tight end Evan Engram back were "trending up" with five days to go before Week 14 kicks off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Engram added to Shurmur's update, telling Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com, "Yes, sir," when asked if he expected to make his return for the 8:15 p.m. start on ESPN.
As the Giants (2-10) prepare 16th-year veteran quarterback Eli Manning for the possible prime-time start vs. the Eagles (5-7) with rookie Daniel Jones' not yet ruled out but battling back from an ankle injury, Engram's potential return bolsters the offense. One of Manning's favorite targets throughout his first two years from 2017-18, Engram caught 17 passes for 164 yards (9.7 per reception) and a touchdown as he started the 2019 season strong.
Engram's mid-foot sprain slowed him down, missing three games over the past four weeks and last playing Nov. 4 in the Giants' 37-18 loss to the NFC East-leading Dallas Cowboys, catching six passes on eight targets for 48 yards. Engram was limited at practice Wednesday and will continue to monitor his status as he meets with coaches and trainers throughout the rest of the week.
Elsewhere along the injury front, wide receiver Golden Tate (concussion) continues to work back with Monday's return in mind while the availability of tight end Rhett Ellison (concussion) is less likely.