The New York Giants could use some help on offense and it appears that they will be getting one of their cornerstone players back in Week 9. According to Ian Rapoport, Sterling Shepard has cleared the concussion protocol and will play versus the Dallas Cowboys.

The Giants' No. 1 wide receiver has been out with a concussion since he suffered it in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. Fortunately, Shepard finally seems to have gotten past the symptoms of a concussion after having nearly a month to recover.

Before the injury occurred, Shepard had totaled 25 receptions for 267 yards and a touchdown. The versatile wideout also has 42 yards on four carries on the ground. Shepard also already had a nice rapport with Daniel Jones prior to sustaining his injury.

While Shepard was sidelined, the likes of Golden Tate, Darius Slayton, and Evan Engram have helped replace his production. Now, Shepard will be inserted as the team's go-to option at wide receiver on Monday night against the Cowboys.

When Shepard was on the field, Jones was 2-1 as New York's starting quarterback. On the other hand, the Giants have lost all three games that Shepard hasn't been active in. That goes to show the difference that the fourth-year wideout makes when he is catching passes in the offense.

As crazy as it may sound, with a win in Week 9, there's a chance that New York could be just one game out of first place in the NFC East. In light of that, Shepard is making a return to the Giants at a perfect time.