Sterling Shepard Injury Update Improves Fantasy Outlook as Giants WR Aims for Week 12 Return

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard hasn't played since their Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings, as he has been in concussion protocol after suffering his second of the season. His first caused him to miss the Giants' Week 2 game against the Bills as well.

Shepard was a full participant in practice on Monday, which is a positive sign for his chances to suit up on Sunday when the Giants head to Chicago to take on the Bears.

While the Giants are dealing with a number of injuries on the offensive line, as well as tight end Evan Engram, getting back Shepard, arguably their best receiver, would be a huge help to rookie quarterback Daniel Jones.

Sterling Shepard was a FULL practice participant Monday. Evan Engram is optimistic to return Sunday at Bears. Pat Shurmur says Giants’ starting 5 O-line will reassemble when healthy. All for one reason:

“I think we really need a win.” https://t.co/hfofk2iMMo
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 18, 2019

Shepard was having a decent season from a fantasy perspective before his injuries, averaging 12.9 fantasy points in the four games he's played in 2019.

While fantasy owners should be excited about Shepard's return to the field, they might want to temper their expectations in his first week back. Aside from the fact that a little rust can be expected for any player returning from an extended absence due to injury, his matchup is a tough one.

Shurmur expressed optimism that the players in the concussion protocol, including Sterling Shepard, will be cleared this week. Evan Engram is out of the walking boot but no real update on his status for Sunday.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) November 18, 2019

Chicago ranks No. 10 in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (227.3). The Bears also rank No. 4 in opponent points per game (PPG) and finally they have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers on the year.

While Shepard's outlook for his potential return in Week 12 might not be the best, his schedule the rest of the way softens up with games scheduled against the Eagles (twice), Packers, Dolphins and Redskins, who rank No. 17, No. 23, No. 20 and No. 16 in passing yards allowed per game, respectively. That gives him a great outlook for the fantasy football playoffs.

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David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.