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Sterling Shepard to Miss Rest of Season with a Torn ACL

Jack Sabin / NFL / September 27, 2022

Sterling Shepard to Miss Rest of Season with a Torn ACL

The Giants’ already lackluster roster takes another hit as receiver Sterling Shepard has reportedly torn his ACL and will miss the rest of the 2022 season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport was the first to report the news Tuesday.

#Giants coach Brian Daboll tells reporters that WR Sterling Shepard has a torn ACL. His season is over.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2022

The injury occurred on New York’s final drive of the game. It became immediately apparent to those watching that Shepard had suffered an ACL injury. The noncontact nature of the incident, plus the clear and immediate pain Shepard was in as he grabbed at his knee made it clear the likely extent of the injury.

Shepard, who has shown flashes of greatness at times and even had many Giants fans and executives believing that he could be the future at the position, has unfortunately had his career held back due to a number of injuries. He has never truly been able to stay healthy for any prolonged period of time.

While this Giants team didn’t look primed to make any serious playoff run, the loss is still a significant one and further limits the already weak receiver core that Daniel Jones is forced to throw to. Shepard’s injury should free up some playing time for guys like Wan’Dale Robinson, and even the one-game wonder that is Kadarius Toney. At the very least, there is a chance for some younger guys to get reps in the midst of Shepard’s absence.

Injuries in football absolutely suck and it’s even worse to see it happen to a guy like Shepard who just can’t seem to catch a break. I’m really hoping he’s able to bounce back and continue to be productive for this Giants team, but as a 29-year-old coming off an Achilles tear and now having to deal with a torn ACL, the window on Shepard’s career, at least in New York, might be starting to close.