EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Sterling Shepard's ambition for the 2023 season is identical to his objective in 2022.
"My goal is to be ready for the season," the Giants' eight-year veteran wide receiver said today. "So, whatever that takes is what I'm going to try to do, but I'm also not going to rush it. You get to that time and I'm not feeling right, then that's just what it's going to be. But that is my goal and just take it day-by-day like I said and try to be the best I can be that day."
Shepard believes he's on track to meet his deadline. He played just 165 snaps and caught 13 passes last season before tearing his left ACL late in the Monday night loss to Dallas. The cruel irony is that Shepard had returned to the field following an arduous rehabilitation after tearing his Achilles tendon the previous December – also in the final two minutes of a home game against the Cowboys.
Once again, Shepard had to undergo surgery and slowly recondition his leg. Once again, he had to stand on the sideline and watch his teammates play. Once again, he had to wonder whether the Giants would have an opening for him on their training camp roster.
Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have each expressed their admiration for Shepard as a player and a teammate, and on March 15, the Giants announced they had re-signed their longest-tenured player, despite what has become a crowded competition at wideout.
"It means a lot, man, you know what I mean?" Shepard said. "This organization has been really good to me throughout my playing career, and some of the stuff that's happened over the years. But I'm grateful and thankful and I try to give this organization everything I've got just for those reasons."
View photos from the career of Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) celebrates a touchdown catch during a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) catches a touchdown pass during a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) before a football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday September 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) makes a catch during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) celebrates against against the Washington Football Team during an NFL game, Thursday, Sep. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington beat the Giants 30-29. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with the ball as Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 30-29. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants at Washington Football Team 2021
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. The Steelers won 24-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) makes a catch during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16, 2021 in Landover, Md The Washington Football Team beat the New York Giants 30-29. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Sunday August 29th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard works out during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard plays during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) touches the Giants Pride sign before leaving the locker room for a NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday September 24, 2017 in Philadelphia. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 13 regular season game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 1st, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard works out during the team's NFL football organized team activities, Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 23-0. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) at preseason week 1 game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to break a tackle by New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee (58) during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
WR Sterling Shepard (87) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) holds on to the ball as he gets past Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Darius Slayton, right, and Sterling Shepard celebrate after a touchdown by Slayton during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) reacts to a play in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Rasul Douglas (32) collide in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) leaps out of bounds just short of the end zone against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) moves off the line of scrimmage against Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) and running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate Barkley's touchdown catch on a pass from quarterback Daniel Jones, not visible, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Green Bay Packers won 31-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, left, scores a touchdown in front of Green Bay Packers' Kevin King during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) celebrates with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after Shepard scored a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Green Bay Packers won 31-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) celebrates his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with wide receiver Russell Shepard during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2019, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed Shepard back in the concussion protocol, ruling him out of their game against Dallas on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to break the tackle of Chicago Bears strong safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) comes down just outside the end zone against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard works out during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in action against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Dallas Cowboys free safety Xavier Woods (25) defends as New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) looks for running room after catching a pass during a NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2018, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch as Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker (29) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis. The Giants have signed Shepard to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Friday, April 12, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in action against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to get past Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Matthew Adams (49) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) make sa catch over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) evades Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, front, makes a catch in front of New Orleans Saints' Ken Crawley during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in action against the Washington Redskins during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Redskins won 20-13. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard, left, scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with ball as Houston Texans defensive back Aaron Colvin (22) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown catch on a pass from quarterback Eli Manning, not pictured, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to break a tackle by New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee (58) during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 23-0. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Los Angeles Rams' Marqui Christian (41) closes in on New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard runs for a touchdown on a pass form quarterback Eli Manning, not pictured, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs past San Francisco 49ers defensive back Leon Hall (20) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs past San Francisco 49ers defensive back Leon Hall (20) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Detroit Lions defensive back Asa Jackson (30) tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) after he catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a pass reception against Green Bay Packers strong safety Micah Hyde (33) during the first half of an NFC wild-card NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) dives past Detroit Lions defensive back Asa Jackson and Rafael Bush (31) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) attempts to get by Los Angeles Chargers free safety Tre Boston (33) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) before a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Denver Broncos' Ronald Darby (21) tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (3) as Shepard scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Sterling Shepard (3)
Darius Slayton (86), Sterling Shepard (3)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) evades a tackle from Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) prepares for the snap during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Falcons defeated the Giants 17-14. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) signals first down during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16, 2021 in Landover, Md The Washington Football Team beat the New York Giants 30-29. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard runs a route during the first half of an NFL football game Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard runs a route during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 30-29. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 1 football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday September 12, 2021 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) before a football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday September 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday September 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday September 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) catches a touchdown pass during a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) catches a touchdown pass during a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) celebrates a touchdown catch during a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 11 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
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WR Sterling Shepard (3), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
WR Sterling Shepard (3), Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during an week 2 NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during an week 1 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) gets introduced before a week 12 NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 5 NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, October 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a week 7 NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
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New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) celebrates a touchdown by Saquon Barkley (26) during a Monday Night football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
WR Sterling Shepard (3)
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CB Darnay Holmes (30), WR Sterling Shepard (3)
WR Sterling Shepard (3), Victor Cruz
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Shepard, 30, has been mostly a spectator during the team's offseason workouts, which conclude with a minicamp today and tomorrow. Although his most recent injury occurred three months earlier in the season than the last one, there's no need to rush him. Shepard missed the first month of training camp last year and still caught a 65-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Jones in the season-opening victory in Tennessee that held up as the Giants' longest completion of the year.
"Just being able to get in some of the walk-throughs and get a little timing with D.J. through some of the periods has been good," Shepard said. "I'm right on schedule where I wanted to be, a little bit ahead. So that's always good. But I'm just trying to take it day-by-day and just focus on getting back to a hundred percent."
A second-round draft choice in 2016, Shepard is eighth in Giants history with 362 receptions, 16th with 4,038 yards and tied for 20th with 22 touchdown catches. His 10 100-yard games tie him for the ninth-most on the team's all-time list and he has caught at least one pass in each of his last 64 games, the fifth-longest streak in Giants history.
Shepard returns to perhaps the best group of Giants receivers since his arrival. The 14 wideouts on the current roster include incumbents Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Wan'Dale Robinson, offseason additions Parris Campbell, Jamison Crowder, and third-round draft choice Jalin Hyatt, plus Collin Johnson, who missed all last season with a torn Achilles, and tight end Darren Waller, who might well become Jones' most frequent target.
"It's probably the biggest receiver group I've been a part of since I've been here, but that's what we wanted to bring in," Shepard said. "We wanted to bring in competition. Some guys run from competition and some people don't. We're definitely going to see what we have, because we have a lot of guys that can play some good ball.
"I love the fact that we added more playmakers. It's not just on one person to make all the plays. We've got a lot of guys that can do it."
Shepard expects to be one of them.
Must-see photos from minicamp as spring practices come to a close at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
Bill Parcells, Head Coach Brian Daboll
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18), QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
DB Bobby McCain (21)
TE Darren Waller (12)
S Xavier McKinney (29), DB Adoree' Jackson (22)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
DB Cor'dale Flott (28), DB Adoree' Jackson (22)
S Xavier McKinney (29), DB Adoree' Jackson (22)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
Bill Parcells, Carl Banks
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
DB Armini Oruwariye (20), DB Bobby McCain (21)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
Bill Parcells, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), Bill Parcells
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), Bill Parcells
OL Corey Cunningham (70)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), Bill Parcells
RB Eric Gray (20)
Bill Parcells
WR David Sills V (13)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR David Sills V (13)
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), Bill Parcells
Bill Parcells
TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
Bill Parcells
WR Makai Polk (87)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), Bill Parcells
WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (6)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
TE Darren Waller (12)
WR Parris Campbell (0)
WR Makai Polk (87)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
WR Makai Polk (87)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
WR Jamison Crowder (80)
DB Tre Hawkins III (37)
DB Deonte Banks (36)
DB Zyon Gilbert (38)
DB Zyon Gilbert (38)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
DB Deonte Banks (36)
Bill Parcells, Head Coach Brian Daboll
Bill Parcells, Head Coach Brian Daboll
QB Tommy DeVito (5)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
DB Cor'dale Flott (28)
Carl Banks, Head Coach Brian Daboll
Bill Parcells, Carl Banks
WR Jeff Smith II (19)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (18)
DB Cor'dale Flott (28)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
WR Jeff Smith II (19)
WR Jeff Smith II (19)
WR Jeff Smith II (19)
DB Cor'dale Flott (28)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
DB Cor'dale Flott (28)
WR Darius Slayton (86)
DB Cor'dale Flott (28)
DB Deonte Banks (36)
DB Deonte Banks (36)
DB Deonte Banks (36)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
DB Nick McCloud (44)
TE Lawrence Cager (83)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
QB Daniel Jones (8)
DB Bobby McCain (21)
DB Bobby McCain (21)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2), QB Daniel Jones (8)
S Xavier McKinney (29)
LB Azeez Ojulari (51)
WR Parris Campbell (0), QB Daniel Jones (8)
LB Jihad Ward (55)
LB Micah McFadden (41)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
WR Jalin Hyatt (84)
LB Cam Brown (47)
WR Kalil Pimpleton (81), WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
DB Tre Hawkins III (37)
DB Cor'dale Flott (28)
LB Troy Brown (46)
TE Tommy Sweeney (89)
QB Tyrod Taylor (2)
LB Dyontae Johnson (54)
LB Cam Brown (47)
DB Armini Oruwariye (20)
LB Troy Brown (46)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
LB Dyontae Johnson (54)
LB Bobby Okereke (58)
DB Gervarrius Owens (31)
OL John Michael Schmitz Jr (61)
TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
TE Darren Waller (12)
OL John Michael Schmitz Jr (61)
DL Jordan Riley (95)
DL Jordan Riley (95)
DL Ryder Anderson (90)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97), DL Leonard Williams (99)
*Jones was asked for his appraisal of the wide receivers.
"I think those guys have done a great job," he said. "The guys who have been around, who've made a lot of plays in the past and the new guys we've brought in. I think we have a wide variety of skill sets and ability and guys who can do different things. It's been a lot of fun to work with. A lot of true pros in the room that come to work every day, and ready to take care of business and do what we've got to do to win."
*Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Giants coach Bill Parcells watched practice and spent time talking to Daboll, Schoen and many other members of the organization. Parcells and Schoen worked together with the Miami Dolphins from 2008-10.
Daboll introduced Parcells at the team meeting prior to practice and asked him to speak to the players following the workout.
"(He talked) about accountability," Jones said. "Talking about what makes a team great and what tests a team in a season and staying close, staying together, taking accountability for your role on the team. I think it was a great message."
Parcells coached the Giants from 1983-90 and led them to victories in Super Bowls XXI and XXV. He later coached the Patriots, Jets and Cowboys. Parcells was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
