New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard took a significant step toward getting back on the field this week, as he has been practicing. But there is still one final hurdler to clear: passing concussion protocol.

Shepard, who has missed the last five games due to a concussion, is still in protocol, but Giants head coach Pat Shurmur is expecting Shepard—along with cornerback Janoris Jenkins and offensive tackle Nate Solder—to be cleared on Friday, according to Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com.

Shepard has suffered a couple of head injuries this season and has only played in four games as a result, logging 25 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown.

The 2019 campaign was supposed to be a big one for Shepard, as the 26-year-old was stepping into New York's No. 1 receiver role with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. He also signed a four-year contract extension with Big Blue during the offseason.

However, he obviously hasn't had the type of season he was hoping for.

Shepard, who played his collegiate football at the University of Oklahoma, was originally selected by the Giants in the second round (40th pick overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.

He played in all 16 games during his rookie campaign and was impressive, catching 65 passes for 683 yards and eight scores. Injuries then limited him to just 11 games in 2017, but he still managed to snare 59 balls for 731 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

Last season, Shepard hauled in 66 receptions for 872 yards while reaching the end zone four times.

New York has lost six games in a row and is just 2-8 on the year. It will battle the Chicago Bears on Sunday.